The Gift of Service

I woke in a pretty foul mood, but it didn't surprise me. The events of the previous afternoon had left me mentally struggling with "what just happened?" "Did it really just happen AGAIN?" I was stunned. And I was angry.

With no likelihood of change, I wanted out of the game. I resigned from ten years of previous voluntary responsibility. In the current scheme of sorting through the "stuff" of my life, it fell onto the "not providing any meaningful sustenance" list - especially with the associated drama. So.... done. (SOOOOOO done.)

But, it would likely mean changes to the status quo - especially with the associated drama (I'm sensing a theme here!). As I fell asleep, I promised myself I would trust in God's plan... at least for the time being.

Still, it was late (or early, depending on perspective) when I finally dozed off and the little sleep I did get was interrupted by a child wanting to snuggle. Morning arrived sooner than one might hope, and - not surprisingly- I was pretty grouchy. The day definitely called for the "Don't-mess-with-me" shoes!

I showered to start the long day, drove the carpool, then headed to my Mom's in Touch group, with two cups of coffee in hand. Stealing some milk from my friend's refrigerator, I sat down to begin our prayer group. Cautiously, one of the woman asked, "uhm... How are you, Linda? Could you use a hug?" (YES!) I wiped my tears, sat down and added the whole situation to our prayer request list.

Following the meeting, I ran home, packed lunch and headed to the elementary school for my weekly "helping hands" day. There, began my day of service. I glued 23 pink cotton balls onto the backside of the 23 rabbit boxes we'd previously assembled. After lunch with my children, I joined the group cutting lengths of yarn, and die-cutting over a hundred "y"'s and "o" 's (as in one "yo-yo" for every kindergartner!), as well as the letters for "We are blossoming into 1st graders" in red construction paper.

At the end of the day, signing my children out, I got to see the principal for the first time. "How ya' doin'?" she asked. "Grateful for the opportunity to serve", I replied. She chuckled to herself, "I just love you." "No. Seriously, "I said, "I came in here in a *really* bad mood. And now, it's all good again..." She laughed again. "Yeah, it's hard to stay in a bad mood around here...."

Thank you Lord, for the opportunity to serve. THIS has purpose in my life. THIS makes a difference in my life, and in the lives of many....

Service stays on the calendar!