'Jesus came to serve, not to be served.' I can think of no better example of this than that by my friend, Charlene. All year long and not just to me, she is 'be the church' in whatever way possible. Even when it's boring and not fun like today, she will be there for you. She cares for family members that depend on her because no one else will. She is a true servant of good to others and I'm blessed by her.
1 Peter 4:10 'Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.'
'It seems that Biblically speaking, retirement isn’t a time to rest on your laurels, but instead it’s a time to serve those around us: Did you know that God told the Levites to retire from their regular duties at age 50? (Num. 8:24-25). But He did not want them to stop helping others. He said that they should minister with their brethren… to attend to needs(v.26). We cannot take this incident as a complete teaching on retirement, but we can see a godly implication that continuing to serve others after our working days are over is a good idea.' [odb.org]
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ReplyDeleteI love that! And I am so glad that you mentioned Charlene by name. She is a servant of servants, and one of those who prefers to be in the background while serving. I truly believe that retirement can mean a time to devote oneself more wholly to serving us, thus serving God.
ReplyDeleteMark 10:45 states that "even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve". If we are to be Christ-like, would we not want to serve others? What joy we receive when we are on the giving side....much more blessed than when we are on the getting side. Retirement does free us up to serve God and others more....if we could just put our actions where our mouth is and use that extra time to do so (looking in the mirror here). Charlene is such a jewel...such a servant of others. And you are right...she is a true example of "be the church" every day...so thankful she is such a big part of your life...and you of hers. Love you, T.
ReplyDeleteThat verse among others did factor into my decision to retire. I felt that God was telling me He wanted to consume my days instead of my job. Wethink that we get a career and stick with it all our days adn then kick back. But God's plan is that we stick with HIm all our days,remain flexible in His hands, and serve wherever He puts us.
ReplyDeleteAngie, So glad you have Charlene! She is a special person and I know how much her friendship means to you and Bobbie and Wayne. She is truly lovely inside and out. Hope you are feeling much better and are coughing less. You had some really good days and now some bad. Praying for more good days. Love you Aunt Robbie
ReplyDeleteCharlene truly is a jewel! She apologizes when she can't come and help when she has already been helping so much. I don't know how Angie, Wayne or I could do without Charlene's help and friendship -- she means so much to us in so many ways that I cannot adequately express it. She spends so much of her time helping others--and I believe God will reward her greatly for that. Mom
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