Lending a Humble Helping Hand

Arriving eager to help, I was unsure of what to expect from the week. Today, I got an abrupt lesson on exactly what service is. The team I was on got sent to a house for a roofing job. They needed help transporting bundles of shingles to the rooftop. Kaleb, a member of my group, had worked on the site the day before. He was the only one able to lift the forty pound bundles of shingles up the ladder on one shoulder and onto the roof. The job seemed rather strenuous, so I thought I would be able to help Kaleb. A group of volunteers ( primarily 65-70 year old able bodied men) were on the site as well. They were incredibly fond of Kaleb and his ability. As I observed Kaleb lift his first slab of the day up the ladder, I was taunted by the older men. The thought of a teenage girl doing the job certainly caused eyebrows to be lifted. Regardless, I hoisted a bundle over my shoulder and steadily walked to the ladder. With about seven men skeptically observing me I started up the ladder. Numerous directions were being shouted at me as I tried to hold onto the bundle. Some stated to climb two rungs at once, some said to step up one at a time, one gentleman told me to go at my own pace ( the best advice received yet). I was nervous and to be honest a little bit scared, but I had something to prove, and I wanted to help. Trying my best to ignore the men I continued up the ladder. I made it up and placed the bundle down. No more than five seconds after I laid the bundle down a gentleman said, "I don't want her doing that". Another man seconded the notion and added, "I don't believe that women should lift more than five pounds". The statement struck me numb. I just did something that only one person on the site could do. There were at least sixteen more bundles needed to be moved. Frustrated and confused I started down the ladder. Another volunteer mentioned I could help pick up scrap pieces and throw them down. I was too angry to accept the demotion and continued down the ladder after saying no thank you. My group chaperon had a much milder but similar reaction. She calmed me with her words and I tried to switched my focus to another job. My attempt to readjust my focus was failed. I was frustrated. I took a quick second to step aside and say a quick prayer. I asked for help letting go of the situation and strength to remember to respect my elders. The day got much better, and my anger eased. I continued to work where my help was needed and WANTED.

Often times we want to help, but do we ever truly wish to serve? Though service and help are closely related, service goes above and beyond.  For true service, we must put our own wants/needs aside and consider others to be more important.  We assist others without any hope of recognition.  To provide service one must be humble.  Service is an expression of love, respect, and kindness.  Service is our expression of Christ.  It requires effort, will power, and stamina.  Service is selfless.  Service can be hard or it can be easy.  Service is always rewarding and service is always needed.  

May my heart beat with humility, my mind run on love, and my body to operate on your Word.

Yours,

Toya