[331 words]
Several years ago I recall having awakened from my slumber to find that it had snowed a little while I had slept. It was just a ground dusting, but snow nonetheless. As I do every morning, I prepared myself for the day ahead, then I went in to get my children up and ready for school. As I woke my son, I informed him that it had snowed overnight. He immediately jumped up out of bed full of energy and excitement. As he rushed to get his school clothes on, he looked up at me and asked something that most children his age would have never asked Instead of asking, “Has school been canceled or delayed?” he asked, “Is there enough snow for me to shovel?” He was not looking to get out of something, nor was he seeking a reason to go back to bed. He assessed the situation as an opportunity to work. He was sorely disappointed as he peeked out the window to find only a ground-dusting of snow had fallen.
Many folks will do just about anything to get out of doing something, especially those things that require a little time and effort. In fact, most people do the bare minimum when it comes to work. If an opportunity presents itself to get out of it, they will. There are some folks, however, who’re ever seeking opportunities to serve. They view service as a privilege, not a burden. Productivity brings them great joy and satisfaction.
What is our attitude as children of God? When opportunity presents itself, opportunities to serve, are we ready and willing to do our part to assist, or do we look for ways to get out if it? Are we excited to serve in God’s kingdom, or do we view such service as a burden?
There is work to do, but the laborers are few (cf. Matt. 20:1ff; John 4:35; Luke 10:2). May we be people ever seeking to serve God and our fellowman (Gal. 6:10).
Terry R. Townsend
Curry church of Christ
Jasper, AL