Since we all understand “serving” differently, my goal in this article is to re-envision or redefine our understanding of serving. In a way, if our understanding of serving is a box, then instead of thinking outside of the box, I want to grab an eraser and give you a blank canvas.
So take a look at these two spectrums and self-analyze where you’re at personally and where your group is at in regards to serving:
The fact is, our lives are filled with opportunities to serve at every moment–and most of us are serving on a regular basis, without even knowing it.
- i.e. When you choose to do those dishes, that’s an act of service.
- i.e. When you choose to shovel your neighbor’s sidewalk as you do your own, that’s an act of service.
- i.e. When you wave “thank you” while you are driving, rather than giving people another gesture, that’s an act of service.
However, especially in group life, serving has become a task, rather than a regular rhythm of our groups. Serving has become a task because we myopically view serving merely as a project that we do together, in a concerted effort, rather than something that we would do ourselves. It’s unnatural for us.
Now, I’m not saying, “Don’t get together to serve.”
What I am suggesting is that we admit that there are some inherent problems in service projects as we’ve come to know them.
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