Pursuing A More Excellent Resume
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For the past week or so, the hospitality study over at Karen Ehman’s hopping spot has spurred on my fiery brain. I love my family; ya’ll know that. I serve them like crazy, you might even know that. But there is one little thing that has been eating at me lately…
Serving comes naturally to me; my mom had the biggest servant’s heart you could find. My parents were always active in their church service, busy in the community, and loving on their family. I find volunteering easy, squeezing time to the max in order to help someone. My hands are typically extended outward, rarely inward. Not bragging by any means. My parents ingrained this habit.
But the part I’ve yet to master…
the joy in serving.
I get tired; I get grumpy. And service continues.
But the smile is MIA.
Oh, externally, it might appear to be there. But the outward action is NOT an accurate reflection of the inward attitude battle. It’s simply a disguise. Internally, I’m fighting for every scrap of joy that I can muster.
Because who cares if service looks good on paper if it looks wretched in prayer?
The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. II Chronicles 16:9
Would you share with me the verses you read in order to reinforce your heart’s joy?
Rachel,
since my two children were younger than 4 (and they are now 29 and 33yo) I have recited Galatians 6:9 to myself – “Do not grow WEARY in doing good,
b/c at the PROPER time
you will REAP a harvest
IF YOU DO NOT QUIT.”
The caps are for me b/c it was so hard in the beginning when the kids were small
and had myriad food allergies. Lately I’ve quoted it to myself since my husband has
been laid off for the 2nd time in 5 yrs.
But for the most recent 5 or 6 yrs I have quoted Isaiah 64:4 to myself daily –
“Since ancient times no one has heard,
no ear has perceived,
no eye has seen ANY GOD besides You
who acts on behalf of those who WAIT for Him.”
There is no joy in our own efforts or any results. There is only joy in the One
who created the emotion for us, Who shares it generously with all that are thankful
for Him and for the promise of His answer as we wait, and who recognize all His large and
small blessings throughout our daily lives.
Thank you so much!! Your words are rich. I love Isaiah 64:4. Blessings to you today!
Oh, this post is meant for me. I, too, need to work on the joy in serving, specifically the needs of my children. Most days, I just go through the motions without the heart of joy. Thank you.
Really encouraging.
Rachel-
You hit the nail on the head with me today. And to be honest I am so thankful that I am not alone. You know me…. (for the most part) and I am all about jumping in and being in the center of it all. Helping, singing, serving, planning…you name it…Sarah is “Involved” but lately I have looked at myself and thought how sometimes I am nothing but a fake. How wonderful it is to serve and be “a part of it all” but how useless and pointless if it just for show….and it is done begrudgingly inside. I know you asked for verses and I have not provided that….. what i will say though is I have tried to make it a mental thought in front of me each time I am “in the midst of it all” to do it with the joy I display on the outside. Am I comepletely successful yet…No. But I really do want to be the same on the inside that I look on the outside….after all …I prayed for years to be in a place that I could serve and a place that I could feel a part of. I’m sorry I have rambled on…. but thank you for sharing this today. It was completely honest and needed. ~Sarah~
As usual Rachel you get my heart stirred up and encouraged! I love this! Thank you God for a great community of sisters! -Blessings girl, Amy