What does it mean to serve?

Lately I have realized that after being overseas I don't have the energy to serve in ways I used to. In the ways that everyone sees at church or outside of it . Some examples of this type of serving are at the information desk, prayer team, teaching Sunday School or even just being a greeter at church.(Notice how I put just yeah simple things aren't simple for everyone!) At first this left me discouraged because there are always needs out there and we cannot meet them all. If one is met surely a new one will arise. While all of these are admirable, and good things to do, they are not for everyone.

For me, at least right now, God is teaching me that sometimes the best way to serve is just to show up to church and not to withdraw because I don't know a single song we are singing or am overwhelmed by the amount of people I don't know around me, taking the time to go to lunch with someone who just might turn out to be a new friend, offering the seat next to me instead of having five empty ones in between, not making myself so busy that I don't have time for myself or others, or even just being diligent in my school work.

In Matthew 18:3-5 it reads "And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me."

Right now I am a child in a familiar unfamiliar world but that doesn't stop me from trusting and believing in his power. I might not always feel like I have a place but He has one for me and a plan for my life. I encourage you to serve those around you in whatever way you feel called. Remember just because not everyone sees it doesn't mean it isn't or didn't happen.

You know the best way people have ever served me is by just offering for me to sit next to them whether in a pew or classroom. Just a reminder to not get discouraged because God meets us at whatever season we are in life. In Laos serving was often my time spent waiting around and lending a listening ear. Here those don't fit cultural norms as well, but that doesn't mean they were wrong just different for a different place and season. How will you welcome that child around you? How do you feel most welcome?