Pancakes & Sidewalk Chalk

This past weekend I spent a few hours helping to serve breakfast to families and play with kids who come from some challenging life situations. It was so easy to do, and really required nothing but some sidewalk chalk, imagination, hugs and bunches of sticky, syrup-covered pancakes. I made a bunch of new little friends, got covered in chalk dust and discussed homework & favorite colors. 
It got me thinking, how often do we get so wrapped up in our own schedules, to-do lists and even "ministry work" that we forget to take time to really serve & love on those in our own community?! Yikes. I know I've been pretty guilty of that. Serving others doesn't mean you have to fly to some foreign country to become a missionary, although, for some it may...but we can easily do something to help a family in need, going out of your way to contact a friend you haven't caught up with in awhile, or even making an effort to say hello to the neighbors. 
While you're doing something to bless someone else, you'll actually receive such a blessing yourself; it always amazes me to see that principle in action. John 12:26 says, "If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him." I don't know about you, but I want to be honored/remembered for being a servant, someone who goes out of their way and puts aside time to serve others. There is such joy in doing something that seemingly lacks personal benefit, but in the end reaps such blessing in both your life and the other person's. Challenge yourself to serve someone this week, whether you volunteer somewhere, do something for another, or make a phone call to encourage and uplift a person that needs it...I promise you'll be blessed because of it. 

-Candice


4 comments

Unknown said...

Excellent post friend... and a good reminder that we can serve in all areas of life. It doesn't always have to be a grandiose gesture, but just one of humble servitude. Glad you had such a wonderful opportunity! Wish I could have been there too! Have a lovely start to the week!

Taylor said...

Your selflessness is an inspiration! We all get so wrapped up into our lives, I might just be the worst at that. You're inspiring!

pilgrimjamie said...

That is incredible and I agree totally with everything you've said, and you said it well! I really hope more communities embrace such gestures, it really can make a difference :)

Josie said...

So true - to serve has two reason: help others and serve God! Thank you for the reminder!

Back to Top