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SERVE IN LOVE
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and
there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there
are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who
activates all of them in everyone.
During college, I worked as
a resident assistant at Pittsburg State. I figured being an RA
was a fairly easy job that would (in my circumstances) pay quite
well.
Dawn was one of few upper-class residents in the dorms. She
dressed very plainly, practiced fundamental religious beliefs
and had questionable personal hygiene. I took pains to avoid her
in order to lessen my workload.
Years after graduation, I joined Reformation and began
participating in the community breakfast at St. Paul's. I was
serving in the buffet line one morning and a woman said "Hello,
Jenny." It was Dawn, with two children, standing across the
table holding out plates for free eggs. I was shocked!
For three years, Dawn and I lived in the same community of
college women embarking on lives and careers. How did we wind up
across from each other at the community breakfast table when
we'd lived in the same college dorm? Why was she clamoring for
free bus tickets while I was driving home in a Volvo?
I have served Dawn twice: once reluctantly and once with my
whole heart. My stint as an RA was self-motivated. Ten years
later, I served at St. Paul's in an attempt to thank God for my
life's blessings.
When Dawn left the breakfast, I gave her a big hug. She opened
my eyes to the narrow void that separates those who serve from
those being served. For the first time, I fully appreciated that
God welcomes all to the same table.
Dear God, you use my hands and heart in
service to those in your kingdom. Open my heart to similarities
rather than differences and help me to serve in love, knowing
how close I am to the other side of the table. Amen.
Jennifer Worrel
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