Over the last couple weeks, I've had the opportunity to volunteer with
Shepherd Community Center here in Indianapolis along with a few other members of our small group. I wanted to share my simple experience and reflect on how God is changing my heart to be more of a servant (I still have a long way to go!).
Shepherd is a warm, loving, faith-based organization that reaches out to the community with the goal of "breaking the cycle of poverty" on the near
Eastside of Indianapolis. They serve various needs of children, teens, adults and families...it's amazing really. As I've started to get more involved with
Shepherd, I'm even more convicted to serve there because Tim and I lived in the community the center supports. The Creek (where we attend church) is also a big supporter of
Shepherd. Most people from Indy have likely heard of them...they're doing incredible things in God's name all over the city!
So I said my time there was simple...it really was just that. Sweeping and mopping floors. That's it...I was a custodian. And I loved every minute of it. The center had quite a few events during the weeks leading up to Christmas and needed some extra hands to make the place sparkle.
A year or two ago, if asked to "serve" I'd think about wanting to volunteer in a way that got me recognition, attention, or some kind of "pat on the back" from others. I doubt that's what God had in mind for me. What I've had to do is humble myself before him, which is a constant challenge, but with that has come a much stronger desire to serve by giving of myself in service to others. Our Heavenly Father deeply loves us- more than we can imagine- and as we follow his command to "love one another; as I have loved you" we will be able to do so. May we find simple, yet profound ways to daily serve God as we serve each other.
One other thing to keep in mind...we are not saved
by serving, but we are saved
for serving.
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