Serving Up Jesus in Little Ways

"Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, there by a kindly word; always doing the smallest right and doing it all for love.” -- Thérèse de Lisieux

In my post, yesterday, I introduced St Therese of Lisieux who served God in such beautiful, “little ways”. I was amused when I saw this second photo of a St. Therese magnet that's displayed on a refrigerator. It's reminding that family of St. Therese's "little ways" which includes being a baby sitter. I love that. It speaks to my heart, especially in the season I’m in when I no longer give my life 24/7 to a husband and children and not working a 9 to 5 job. In this “3rd act of my play”, I find myself doing many “little things” in many “little ways” to serve God. It’s a sweet way to live one day at a time and serving in the process. One of my “little ways” is this post and blog each day -- just doing my part to spread some good news. Jesus showed us, through His actions, that serving others is important. When we truly understand what Jesus has done for us, we desperately want others to know Him and to find the same joy and hope we have. Telling people is not enough. We must show them. St. Francis of Assisi said, "Preach the Gospel at all times, and sometimes, use words." In James 2:18, James wrote “Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.”

Our days are made up of opportunities to be “on call” to be Christ’s hands and feet. Jesus was the role model for serving up “little ways”. He took a “little boy’s” little lunch and fed an enormous crowd. He healed the blind man with a little of His spit and mixed it with dirt and made a "little" mud plaster for his eyes. He told the “little children” to come to Him. He directed the disciples to get a "little" coin out of a fish's mouth to pay their taxes. Quite frankly, LITTLE is MUCH when God is in it.

And that is where we step up to notice the opportunities we have for living in the "little ways mentality" of SERVING UP JESUS daily! No small deeds should ever be taken for granted: taking out the trash, cleaning up the dinner dishes, baby sitting, giving an encouraging word to a cashier, sending a little note of encouragement to a friend or family member, volunteering at church, cleaning out our closets and attics and taking the unneeded items to a charity or homeless shelter. Just taking a "little" time to LISTEN, without distractions, to those in our life. So many "little ways" that will pay off in such BIG dividends!

As I type this post today, I’m thinking about someone that needs a phone call of encouragement. I’m thinking about those excess clothes that need to taken to a charity. I'm thinking about my neighbor who will be caring for her sister after surgery and I need to cook up some compassion and take them some meals.

More than the BIG, BIGGER, BIGGEST accomplishments, I desire to be known as a "little ways” friend, servant, and family member. I desire to be conscious of being Christ’s hands and feet. After all, if I don’t go, who will?

Time for Intermission

INTERMISSION – interval, interlude, halftime, break, recess, pause, rest, respite, gap, space, lull, stop, halt, hiatus

I remember INTERMISSION when I went to a play or outdoor movie. That was the time we could visit the restrooms or get a snack or just to simply have a good ole' stretch. I had a two-day intermission from my trip to Tulsa and Oklahoma City last week, before I received an SOS message from my Austin family. The boys were sick and their Mom and Dad had to go out of town the next day (yesterday). I quickly loaded my “still warm” suitcase and clothes bag, threw cosmetics back into the bag and within 30 minutes, I was on my way to Austin. My two-days at home had been packed full of “catch-up” and around 3 pm, I thought I’d grab a little nap (an intermission) before a meeting at church. I was awakened with that “SOS” call and was thankful I had been prompted to rest before then, because I was wide awake for my 4+ hour trek to Austin.

I sent text messages to those who were expecting me at events for that night and the next day. My sister-in-law sent these words of affirmation to me: “It’s a privilege for us to be able to help our children. They are our gifts from God. So glad you are there for them. It’s all about serving.” My daughter said, “Mom, how great that God has you available for your children!” I know she means that because she is the recipient of Mom’s “freedom” schedule. Now I know what my Mom felt when she was "on call" for us. What a tremendous blessing she was to our way-too-filled schedule.

Yesterday, I took the boys to doctor appointments. I embraced being the stand-in representative for their mom. This season of my life is precious, especially when it is being "on call” for my family. Last week it was getting to go with my grandson as he registered for real estate school. Yesterday it was praying for my granddaughter as she was taking her drivers license test. She passed. Thanks be to God!

I love schedules and I also love "winging" it because when I just run with the wind and I trust that my steps are ordered of the Lord, He gives me some of the most precious moments. I felt it big time yesterday. Psalm 37:23 "The steps of a good man (good woman) are ordered by the Lord: and he (she) delights in His way." Little intermissions of pieces of heaven at home and at every stop along the way. I'm just thanking God, once again, for shining His light brightly into my world.

Intermission sounds like a come-to-halt on the main show, but I’ve determined that the “main show” is living audaciously with as much gusto as we can to celebrate those we love, do the things we enjoy that gives us pleasure and enjoyment, and when the time comes to take an INTERMISSION to gain strength for our next assignments and adventures…..we’ll be there with bells on and with hearts open wide to pour on the love to those we love when we can!

Philippians 2:3-4 “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."

Service - 24/7

Ever feel like you need to talk to someone, but for one reason or another -- you think it's too late or too early in the day, or you don't want to be a bother, or they may be busy, or they don't have the time -- so you just don't make that call?

How great it is to know that we always have SOMEONE (Father God) Who we can call upon 24/7 -- in fact He NEVER sleeps -- He's literally "on call" 24/7 -- and we're never put-on-hold, or put into a queue, we're never hung up on, and we never hear, "I'm sorry, this number has been disconnected!"

I highly recommend His services -- and the best part -- He always has the most genuine, sound advice that will help us -- no matter what we're needing at the time. Only requirement He asks in return? To love Him with our whole heart. I'd say that's little in comparison to all He is for us!

"Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know." Jeremiah 3:33