Serve or Be Served.

I once had a conversation with an elder's wife at church that I am certain I'll never forget. A group of church members had just gotten back from a mission in a foreign country, and I was thrilled to see them return safely and to hear about their adventures. 

Knowing that I had a heart for missions and wanted to join the group for the next trip. I approached this person, knowing that she'd been on the trip in the past, just to tell her of my interest and ask about some of the responsibilities the women might have. 

Not knowing me very well at all at that point, she looked me straight in the face and said, "It would be too hard for you. There are people who serve and people who are served..." Without her finishing that sentence, I knew which type of person she felt I was. 

Even though that conversation was almost two years ago, its significance still really strikes a chord in my heart from time to time. It's not just that this person who didn't really know me didn't think I was capable of doing something I really wanted to do. Or that she didn't think I could be of service to people in need in a particular situation. It's the distinction between people who serve and people who are served. 

First of all, is there really such a distinction? The bible says that the body (church) needs all members to function, and that each one has a purpose. But not only that, isn't doing nothing also doing something?

As someone who's been served so much in my life-- out of necessity-- because sometimes I need help..... I know what it's like to feel helpless and to feel like you can do nothing. 

But even when you can physically do nothing... You can still do something.   Being thankful. Being appreciative. Showing love however you can-- in a card, a simple thank you, a word of encouragement--that is still a service. 

Kindness, encouragement, love-- those are all godly traits and ways in which he tells us to serve one another. There are not just people who serve and people who are served. There are only opportunities to serve, and they extend to all of us, you just have to look for them where you are. 

There is always something you can do. 

One of my favorite acts of service is sharing food with those who are in need. Tonight I made Ghiradelli chocolate chip cookies for my coworkers and some of the people I see everyday. Here is the recipe and the finished product. 

PS I still have a heart for mission work and have found numerous opportunities to serve through other avenues in the coming year. I'm headed to at least one country in 2016 and can't wait to see what adventures God has in store for me. 

 

INGREDIENTS

2 2/3 cups Ghirardelli Semi Sweet Chocolate Baking Chips 
1/4 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
2 eggs 
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
2 cups chopped walnuts (optional)

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350°F. Place 1 1/3 cups chocolate chips in a bowl and set aside.

Place another 1 1/3 cups of chocolate chips in a large bowl and microwave on HIGH power for 1 to 2 minutes. Remove and stir until chocolate is melted and smooth. If not melted, microwave for additional 30-second increments until smooth. Stir in butter with a wooden spoon until blended. Add brown sugar and stir. Add eggs and vanilla and beat until smooth. Stir flour with baking powder in a small bowl; add to chocolate mixture and mix slowly until blended. Fold in reserved chocolate chips and nuts. Place bowl in refrigerator for 5 minutes. Drop by heaping tablespoon onto an ungreased baking sheet. Bake for 12 – 14 minutes.