Summertime Sanity #10 - Serving Others

Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105

I woke this morning with a children's song in my head. I even hear the sweet little jingle as I type, and the lyrics are the above verse...over and over and over. The more I hear it, the more I reflect on its lifelong truth in every single area of my being.

In Greek, Your Word, as used in this verse, means speech or speaking. God is currently speaking (present tense) to us through His Word. Right now. Isn't that a beautiful way to look at it?

The Word is alive and speaking. And He wants me to hold it up, as if a lantern, to light the path of life He has for me. And my feet are to follow behind Him.

Not in front.
Not beside.
Behind.

Mmm. So good.

Summertime Sanity #10 - Serving Others

This is going to sound horrible, but my boys are extremely narcissistic. By nature, they are self-centered little creations that tend to think this life is all about "me me me." Luke doesn't say much, but he's got, "ME! ME!" down pat.

Well, honestly, so do I. I'm constantly having to remind myself that this life is not about me me me. It is about Him Him Him. And serving Others Others Others.

In the book, Sanity in the Summertime, Arp writes, "Summer is a perfect time to help our children get out of their own world and view the needs and problems of others. Galatians 6:10 can become a reality in their lives: "So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all men."

"In our nation of plenty, too often our children's attitude is 'what can I get?' instead of 'what can I give?' A child who can walk and talk is old enough to begin learning to care about others."

Arp then gives four basic steps to be worked through to teach our children the gift of serving others.

1. Pray
2. Teach what Scripture says.
3. Being an example.
4. Taking them through the process.

Arp gives several suggestions of different ways to serve others - visiting a nursing home, running errands for the elderly, making cards for hospital patients, using a Children's Day to make gifts for the grandparents, sending a box to missionaries, etc. These are all so so good.

The boys and I prayed about who the Lord would have us serve or bless before we started. That day we noticed a family had just moved in down the street. Three little girls, all seemingly the same ages as my boys, playing in the driveway. Yes. Our answer!

Teaching what the Scripture says - Arp gives several great scriptures all relating to serving others. I want to go through all of them with the boys (a great devo idea for the mornings!). I will post the list at the bottom of the page. But Hebrews 13:16 says "Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." What could we do good for our new neighbors? How could we welcome them well and share the love of Christ with them? The vote was unanimous - cookies!

I showed the boys what to do, then let them take ownership. Precious.

Who could resist?!

I am so excited to say that the Lord has really blessed this little act of service! The neighbors have just moved from Missouri and didn't know a soul. We have had a play date several times since, the kids play so well together and I just adore the mom (bonus!). It has been a great teaching opportunity for the boys to see the fruit of their labor. The Lord really blessed it.

Not that we give so we can receive, because we don't, but it did work out that we all made sweet, new friends from this act of serving others.

God is so good.

Love to you all!!

Scriptures for Service:

Hebrews 13:16

Isaiah 58:10-11

Leviticus19:32

John 15:12

Matthew 25:40

Luke 3:10-11

Colossians 3:23-24

James 2:15-17

Galatians 6:10

1 John 3:18