I am a little late writing today, because I have been in the kitchen all morning cooking a meal that we had the privilege of serving to the teachers in one of our local elementary schools.  We were helping the PTA to say:  “WE APPRECIATE YOU!”  Most of you that know me, know that I am a little particular when it comes to these kinds of events.  In my opinion – if it’s worth doing – it needs to be done first class!  So some of our church staff/volunteers and some of the PTA Volunteers came together to serve a first class meal made up of ham, green beans, mac and cheese (the old fashioned kind), rolls and apple cobbler!  We had the teachers come on in and take a seat and then we served them their drinks, food and dessert!  I think that everyone of them really enjoyed it and I think it was an extra special treat to be able to sit down and be waited on!

First, a word about our teachers – they work hard and they give of themselves in ways that most people just don’t ever seem to understand.  They need to hear and feel us saying “thank you” a lot more often than they do.  People tend to complain the very moment that something does not go the way they want it to, but fail to say thanks for all of the things that go right in a typical day!  So – Thank you teachers for getting up early and staying up late.  Thank you for battling run away noses and frustrating coughing spells.  Thank you for teaching our children the things that they need to help them advance and grow in life.  It is simple, but we mean it:  Thank You!

Second, I want to talk a moment to talk about service.  One of the things that I heard again and again today, was the unbelief in the voices of those that were being served.  They just could not believe that someone would do this for them.  They were surprised that someone would want to keep their tea glass full.  They just could not believe that someone would want to fix them a special meal – not catered, but home-made!

It is really sad that “SERVICE” surprises people!  I think the reason that it is such a big surprise is because there is so little of it!  Here is the really crazy thing:  My feet are tired and my back hurts, but I really feel good, because I really feel like maybe my service to others today made a difference in their day!  The funny thing about serving others is this:  We rarely look forward to it, but after it is over – we are sure glad that we did!  Who can you serve this week?  Think about it!