By Shannon Gammon, Director of Communications
Even though I have been a member of staff since October 2022, I still get asked “How is the new job?”. Each time I easily answer with the same response, “I love it – it is amazing to work with a group of people who always give 110%!” Not only do each of the staff work and push passionately in their job, but they also have passions outside of their job. Catherine and sustainability, Mike and history (and golf), April and gardening, me and at-risk youth, etc. Most of us serve consistently with one or two (or more) organizations. So it made me think…how much service is enough? Is some service better than other types of serving – and which gets the most “points” with God? Oh, I know it doesn’t really work that way, in fact in Hebrews 6:10 it says “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” But still, do you wonder?
In my opinion, how we choose to serve cannot be measured. Typically, when we take part in acts of service, we rarely see the end result or those benefitting. I believe that just being kind to a stranger is showing God’s love through you. Lifting your eyes and making eye contact and smiling, even if that person does not respond, yours may have been the only kind face they received that week! For some of us, it’s not a natural thing to do. But I feel that when we are put in an uncomfortable situation but feel nudged to make a choice to engage or not…it is a direct challenge from God! Serving is not supposed to be comfortable or easy, it is a choice. I remember my mom telling me that she prayed through college “Lord, I want to do your work but please, please do not send me to Africa”. I’m sure most of us have had a similar prayer, so why don’t we start smaller? Can we approach someone unfamiliar at church on Sunday? Can we go and sit with the single mother and kids that are looking a little uncomfortable at an event? Can we ask someone “How are you doing?” and really be present for their response? It is so easy to become complacent in our Christianity, but like I also tell those who still ask “How’s the new job?”…I’m in a place where people want to talk the talk AND walk the walk, and that can lead to enough.
