Yesterday my little one (who will soon be 6) wanted to do something fun.  As I tried to decide what we could do that would be inexpensive and something she would enjoy, the morning began to escape us.

After two long phone calls and a shower, it was almost noon.  Does that ever happen to anyone other than us?  The morning dissolves as fast as dust in the wind.  Sigh.

My daughter’s hopes of a fun day began to slip away when responsibilities got in the way.  

We needed to go check on my Dad and take him some food he had requested.  Then after our visit with him, my Mom requested something at rehab.   Each step of the way I kept reminding my daughter, “Honey, we are spending our time blessing others.  We are helping those who can’t help themselves and that is what God would want us to do.”  After we left the rehab, we received a call to pick up some medication at the pharmacy, etc …  This is how a lot of our days are spent.  Bless her little heart.  That is what we have done daily for most of her summer break.  I had “big plans” to make this summer (her last one before she starts Kindergarten) a FUN summer.  Well, life hops in the way sometimes …

This morning I awakened to find this email from my friend Jim.  It reminded me of what I told my daughter yesterday.  See below:  

You can find the rest of Chip’s article HERE. 

The ministry of One-Anothering is a great way to look at it.  We are called to love others and serve them.

Matthew 22:39
And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’

Galatians 5:13
For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

Romans 12:10-11
Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;

 It isn’t always easy to put someone’s needs ahead of your own desires.  Even saying “isn’t always easy” sounds too light because MOST of the time our flesh cries out and wants to have its own way.  Trust me … sigh. 

Father … for those of us who belong to You, our lives are not our own.  Our lives were purchased with a great price.  Help us to remember that when we are faced with the choice of serving another versus serving ourselves.   

(Photos:  My daughter’s fun hairstyle yesterday.  A picture of my Mom in the rehab.)