Serving and Learning

Hi everyone. I’m Sherry Douglas with Heart-Song. I heard Enos Marshall of Christian
Life Center say this simple statement: “Every time you serve, you learn.” It’s catchy and
it’s important.
Serving others comes in all shapes and sizes and the opportunities are endless at
home, school, with our neighbors and organizations. It seems that the most significant
learning is shaped by simply being willing to give of ourselves - our time and skills - and
having open hearts. As we step into someone else’s story, we may experience empathy
and humility because we’ve not gone through what they’re going through. Our self-
absorption is chipped away making space for appreciation and thankfulness. We may
feel fulfillment deep within.
I know that when I serve, I learn more about the person, group, or organization, but I
also learn more about myself - the softness or hardness of my heart. Am I moved by the
person’s need or am I serving to be recognized? Do I feel like I know the best way to do
something, or am I willing to listen and possibly gain a new perspective?
What have you learned by serving others? Problem-solving? Resilience? Have you
learned that the needs of people are rarely as simple as they seem?
1 Peter 4:10 says, “Each of you has been blessed with one of God's many wonderful
gifts to be used in the service of others. So use your gift well.” Live the way you want to
be remembered!