When we are willing to serve, we can offer refreshment for a thirsty world.
A couple of days ago, I was sitting on my back porch when I saw a hummingbird fly by. I was filled with excitement and guilt all at once. I was excited because I really enjoy watching them every year at the feeder and also because it was just one more sign that summer is coming.
But, I threw away my feeder at the end of last year. It was old and beyond repair. I promised myself that I would buy a new one before the little hummers arrived in the spring, but I forgot.
When my teenage son arrived home from school and joined me on the porch, the hummingbird flew by again. I shared my feelings of guilt with him. He replied with a grin, “Wow, Mom, he’s probably thinking I just flew all the way from South America and it sure would be nice to get a drink!”
You, gotta love teen wit.
But, I thought about the little bird all evening and when I got up the following morning, I prepared some sugar water for him and then I took off to Wal-Mart as soon as possible to buy a new feeder. I even chose one that is supposed to be ant proof and wasp proof. We’ll see about that.
I got it filled and hung as soon as I returned home. I wondered if the bird would return.
I watched for a few minutes, knowing that it could be hours. But, it wasn’t. Within ten minutes, the little guy was sitting on a perch getting his long-awaited drink. He lingered for a little while and I was filled with relief and pure joy just watching him enjoy the fruits of my labors.
That hummingbird stayed on my mind for the remainder of the day. I thought about how I felt convicted to serve him, to provide for him. I thought about how my son’s words added to my convictions.
I thought about how the Holy Spirit often works in the same way when we are called to serve people. Sometimes a person will come across our path, or we get a request to help with some kind of ministry in our church. It can range from serving refreshments, to helping with children’s church, to attending a Sunday School Class. It could be to take on some type of leadership role. It could be to go on a mission trip of some sort or to help provide financially for one. It could be to serve some need in our community.
The call to serve could take on any number of faces. The point is that at some point in our faith walk, we are all called to serve. We feel a conviction deep in our hearts that we really need to lend a hand in some way. We know that it comes from God because our work will glorify Him and we know that it comes from Him because the gentle nagging doesn’t go away.
The hummingbird reminded me how important it is to listen to what our hearts are telling us about service, to be open to convictions and willing to answer the call.
Sometimes I need reminding. Perhaps you do too.
Have an awesome day!
Wendy 🙂