There was a time when I actually resented my husband’s faith walk. After all, I was the one who became a believer first. I was the one who cajoled my husband to return to church and use his God-given talents to serve God’s people. And what did I get for my troubles? I got to see my husband become a leader while I was asked to become the church’s drudge.
While my husband was asked to lead mission teams, I was asked to make sandwiches. While he was asked to serve as the SPRC chair, I was asked to disinfect the nursery when one of the children showed up with head lice. While he led, I was left behind. And I resented him mightily for it.
As months went by, my anger turned to depression. I prayed continually for God to show me how I could serve him in a more significant way. When God at last answered my prayer, it was on a day that would change my life because it changed the way that I thought about serving God.
I had once again been asked to do “drudge” work by serving at the repast after the funeral of one of our oldest parishioners. While I went about serving and cleaning up, the family didn’t even notice my presence, and yet suddenly I knew deep within myself, with the insight that only God can grant, that I was doing something of great importance. A shared meal after a funeral service is a way for the deceased’s family to gently re-enter living and in a way that lets them know that they are not alone. With that realization, I felt that my work in this instance was not drudgery, but a great privilege. To be of service to others in their hour of need does not have to be flashy – or even consciously noticed – to be valid. I learned that it was not about me, but about serving others in Christ’s name. Amen.
Prayer: Dear God, there is much to be done in your name. Bless those who take on this work, and help us to remember that it is a great privilege. Amen.
Prayer Concern: those in ministry of all kinds.
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