Image courtesy of Joy In The MorningI find that serving or service does not come naturally for me. Or at least the type of service that requires physical labor such as cleaning a kitchen or moving chairs around to prepare for a worship service. I am right there to sit and talk to people when they want to be heard. I also want to talk to those who have gone before me and gain wisdom from them. Work will always be there to be done and can be done later.
I find that my resistance to physical service can cause friction between me and women who naturally jump up to help out. I will hear, "Sarah, why don't you come help us clean up?" My reply is often, "I'm coming in a minute just let me finish this conversation." I know that I can sometimes come across as lazy and unwilling to help. And I know that this is a flaw in me. I need to find a happy median between helping out in the kitchen and talking to people.
In my efforts to broaden my service I find myself trying to build relationships through conversation while I clean the dishes or set up tables. It is a fight against my flesh to get out and do it. I would so rather just sit and talk and/or listen. But, I also need to respect the people around me who are beautifully gifted in service.
When I think about Mary and Martha and their time with Jesus I would love to think that I am more like Mary than Martha. But, I know better than to put myself on such a pedestal. Would I stay with Jesus despite Martha's complaints because I know with whom I speak or would I stay to avoid the physical service? I am trying to figure that out. Until then I think I will default at helping out first thing unless the hostess says otherwise. Once the work is done I can relax and enjoy conversations knowing I am doing my part in both types of service.
I find that my resistance to physical service can cause friction between me and women who naturally jump up to help out. I will hear, "Sarah, why don't you come help us clean up?" My reply is often, "I'm coming in a minute just let me finish this conversation." I know that I can sometimes come across as lazy and unwilling to help. And I know that this is a flaw in me. I need to find a happy median between helping out in the kitchen and talking to people.
In my efforts to broaden my service I find myself trying to build relationships through conversation while I clean the dishes or set up tables. It is a fight against my flesh to get out and do it. I would so rather just sit and talk and/or listen. But, I also need to respect the people around me who are beautifully gifted in service.
When I think about Mary and Martha and their time with Jesus I would love to think that I am more like Mary than Martha. But, I know better than to put myself on such a pedestal. Would I stay with Jesus despite Martha's complaints because I know with whom I speak or would I stay to avoid the physical service? I am trying to figure that out. Until then I think I will default at helping out first thing unless the hostess says otherwise. Once the work is done I can relax and enjoy conversations knowing I am doing my part in both types of service.
4 Readers Shared Their Love:
I think we need to appreciate each others giftedness and be blessed by it. I so appreciate someone like you who can sit and focus and talk and listen to someone. I tend to move and be distracted and end up in the kitchen but I don't want to grumble about those who are gifted to reach into someone's heart and talk while I'm washing dishes...
Beautifully said, bless you.
I totally relate. I'm not the type to be in the kitchen . . . my sister is always trying to get me in there with her and I'm just not interested. There is a certain amount of judgment heaped upon folks like us and it isn't really fair because I serve in other ways and I'm sure you do, too. It all goes back to gender stereotypes.
Wonderful post.
That is so nice to read such a personal post!...it's good to relate with people personally.
Post a Comment