March 25, 2012

To Serve and Be Served

"What did you learn in church today?"

"Nothing.  We ate candy."

"I don't believe that's all you did.  Try again.  What was the story about?"

They rush to answer together, their words crashing and bouncing like bumper cars.

"Jesus washed their feet."

"Whose feet?"

"The men.  He washed their feet.  And then Peter stood up and said, 'Hey.  Don't wash my feet.'"

"Why was Jesus washing their feet?"

"Because they were dirty.  They had very dirty feet."

All true.  But missing a few nuances.

"Way back then, it was the job of the least important person to wash the feet of the other people.  So what do you think Jesus was teaching them?"

"That they had dirty feet."

"And, he was serving them.  He was showing them that they were more important.  That's what we do when we serve someone - we show them that they are more important."

A few hours later, we have a brilliant opportunity to put this into practice. In a creative frenzy, the boys had scattered their puzzle pieces across the floor.  Four puzzles, disembodied and strewn about.

"Guys, you'll need to clean this up."

"My brother cleaned up one, and I already cleaned up two."

"Well, now's your chance to serve him by cleaning up the last one."

Heavy sigh.  "Fine. Tucker?  Watch me.  I'm serving you."

That's not exactly the attitude we're looking for, kiddo.

But the bedtime practicum was the best.

Tucker lay in his top bunk, thinking of his checklist of needs.

Blanket: Check.
Fresh water: Check.
Slipper socks: Check.
Bathroom light.... aha.

"Mommy?  I need someone to come and turn on the bathroom light.  You know that's what I need every night."

"Tucker, I'm finished up there tonight.  You can turn it on and get back in bed."

"But... I need someone to serve me."

Three times he made this request.  "Please?  I need someone to serve me!  Serve me!!"

Nope.  No dice.  That's definitely not how it's going to work around here.

There is a difference between serving someone or treating them like your servant.  It's a fine line, gentlemen.

One comment on “To Serve and Be Served”

  1. There are days I feel just like Tucker. 🙂
    Love this story. Love you, my fried.

THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU

NOW AVAILABLE
thisbookisforyouthumb

JUST. YOU. WAIT.

NOW AVAILABLE
Just-You-Wait-COVER-resized
#1 New Title on Amazon in Christian Inspiration

YOU CAN DO THIS

NOW AVAILABLE
you-can-do-this
#1 New Title on Amazon in Women's Issues!

LET'S PRETEND WE'RE NORMAL

NOW AVAILABLE
Lets-Pretend-Were-Normal
#1 Bestseller on Amazon in Single Parenting

AND LIFE COMES BACK

NOW AVAILABLE
and-life-comes-back
#1 in Denver Post: Nonfiction Paperback and Finalist for 2015 Christian Book Award
© 2015-2023 Tricia Lott Williford. All Rights Reserved. Site by Concept To Web.
crossmenu
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram
%d