What Can I Do For You?

Usually when we think of bringing grace into the lives of others we think of things we can do for them or counsel and encouragement we can offer them. We might accomplish this by volunteering at various service agencies or as a tutor at our child's school or even for a ministry within our church. We definitely receive a sense of blessing and of having blessed another.

However, it is possible that those we intend to serve and enrich actually feel useless because someone else is doing for them while they cannot do things for anyone. Another way of sending grace to others is to allow them to have a part in our own lives. We tend to avoid that as it makes us feel dependent and perhaps obligated. Yet, graciously accepting the ministry and service of others on our behalf enables them to experience the grace of giving.

My wife and I have had to experience such a reversal. For years she has given grace to me as she carried on the normal chores around the house. Recently, due to an auto accident injury I have had the opportunity to serve her by assuming some of those chores. It has been difficult for her, but good for me. Not that it is fun to have all the extra chores, but it helps me to appreciate her and to experience the good feeling of doing extras for her.

In all our relationships we need to be willing to serve and be served. The result is both persons get and give a blessing. What we can do for someone else may often be just to allow them to do something for us.