First Baptist Manlius

I've engaged in service opportunities with community groups to serve urban Atlanta's homeless, wildlife sanctuaries to clean up after oil spills and after school programs designed to teach science and social responsibility skills to young middle schoolers. In common with most of the service experiences that I enjoy is some sense of adventure and a feedback mechanism in which I learn about the success of my efforts. I understand that a lot of my motivation for performing these service acts comes from the feedback I get from participating.

This sense of adventure and positive feedback is often absent from our daily lives. We participate in the daily chores and demands of maintaining our homes and relationships out of necessity. We may not get the reward after the accomplishment of the mundane routine with the "bravo" that we crave. Yet, this is the sort of service we are called to in 1 Peter 3:8.

"Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble."

(1 Peter 3:8)

Service to your family and neighbors is the most accessible form of service. There are a million chances a day to exchange a kind word, perform the most trivial of helpful tasks and lift each other up. As I learn to "see" God in my life”, it helps to recognize these acts in others around me and to let them know that I saw it, I appreciate it and that I love them for it.

Prayer: God, help me to move beyond my need for human affirmation and freely offer myself in the service of others. Help me also to recognize the ways you care for me through others. Amen.