Doing for others
Have you ever noticed that it’s easier to wash some else’s dishes? I have. It’s also easier to change diapers and soothe crying babies that aren’t yours. I always thought that it was because I had a choice. But when I think about it, I have a choice as to whether or not I wash my dishes and that doesn’t make me feel all warm and fuzzy about it. So what is it? Yesterday I left school thinking I’m going to get here earlier and get a head start on this project some colleagues and I are working on so that they don’t have to worry with it and they have a chance at a better day. No, I don’t think it is because I don’t have to, I think it’s because God designed us this way. He made us to feel good when we serve others, to feel good when we go out of our way to help someone. Why? Because it’s His nature, to create beings that love and serve each other, to give them pleasure when they do. Perhaps that’s why some of the things we wind up doing for ourselves feel so flat.
November 9th, 2007 at 9:10 pm
Washing dishes for oneself is just a day to day obligation — maybe even a chore. But washing dishes for someone who needs a helping hand — that not only cleans the dishes, but cleanses our own life at the same time.
Diapers? Well, I’ve changed a multitude. But, frankly, I’d rather wash a boatload of dishes….
November 10th, 2007 at 10:13 am
I love this writing, Tammie, and it makes me immediately think of the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi…”for it is in giving that we receive.” Sometimes it is very easy to serve and at other times, not at all, and I know that I have to nudge myself to step into those places of inconvenience. But each time I listen to the nudge, I am so grateful for I find that I end up feeling as though I have been the one who has been served in some way. And thank you for coming in at the crack of even before dawn yesterday morning! I know it allowed others to enjoy this weekend.
October 9th, 2009 at 8:54 am
I liked your article. I am looking for scriptures about “doing for others.” Do you have any you would like to share?
October 9th, 2009 at 9:09 am
Hi Dianne,
Wow this is an old post. How did you stumble across it?
The verses that immediately came to mind were Matthew 25:31-46. I did a quick reference on blueletterbible.org and came up with a ton of related scriptures. I hope this link will take you to them. http://www.blueletterbible.org/study/tsk/tsk.cfm?b=Mat&c=25&v=35&t=KJV
I think this is the very essence of who God is and who intends us to be. I hope you have a great day.