Growing up in a family with 10 children, there were always chores to be done. No one was exempt from helping with chores and there were many to go around.
Now I have 10 children and the same goes in my household. Chores galore and no exemptions. It is so very heartwarming to see my children continue the standard set by my mom and handed down to me.
The part I love the most is watching my kids pick up the slack when someone is sick or overwhelmed. It may not happen every time, but more times than not it warms this mommy’s heart to see her children help another when help is needed.
My son recently called his dad from his Christian college. He was very disheartened while having a small celebration in one of his classes. The professor needed to make a run and asked the girl students present if they would begin serving the dessert. Horrified, my son watched as the girls began rejecting the request. “It’s not the 1950s” … “Women aren’t the only ones who can serve these days.” So my son and another young man began serving with no relinquishment of their stand by the young women in the class.
The world doesn’t value those who serve. To say you are “just a homemaker” sometimes doesn’t seem like enough and homemakers feel the need to elaborate and say what else we may be doing. Those of us that follow Christ must know and understand that God’s ways are not our ways and He values the very things the world would think are not valuable.
As we daily follow Christ, we must understand that we must serve. We cannot decide when it is convenient or demeaning; we just need to serve so others will learn by our example.
As a mom and wife, it is not always convenient to serve my family or my husband. Sometimes I even feel as if my family expects it because it’s what a mom does, but ultimately, I know that I serve to bring glory to God. I honor Him, the one who gives me breath and life, by serving others. I can’t decide that it’s beneath me.
The priest and the Levite in the parable in Luke 10:25-37 walked right by an opportunity to serve another, but the Samaritan, though on his own journey, had compassion. I want to be available to serve others and use my time, abilities, and resources to show mercy.
We must always be ready to “Go and do likewise” as Jesus says in Luke 10:37.
[verse reference=”Mark 10:35-45″]And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” And he said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?” And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?”And they said to him, “We are able.” And Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized, but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.”And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.[/verse]”
Robyn McKelvy has devoted her life to the care and building up of others. In her home, through the church her husband pastors and through years of speaking at Weekend To Remember Get-Away’s around the country as well as countless women’s events. Robyn is the mom of seventeen children, seven in heaven and nine amazing souls here on earth who have received her full attention from the time they were born or grafted into her family. Robyn’s book SOS – Sick of Sex is in stores now as is her devotional book, Say IT Loud: Becoming your husband’s personal cheerleader. Robyn has been a mom for 24 years and married to Ray for over 25 years.
You are so right, Robyn. This world doesn’t value a servant. I have heard far too many husbands complain that their wives don’t make money, as though their wives’ value lies in their ability to generate income.
I’m also saddened by the way so many people take others for granted.
I was speaking to a friend the other day who shared some frustrations about the CEO of her workplace–the person always expects service and pampering, even to the detriment of the company’s budget. I called that the “Pharaoh thinking he is God” complex. Sad. Servant leadership is scarce.
I’m so glad Jesus showed us a different way.
WOW Robyn!! I was just crying out to the Lord last night 1/23/13, about this very thing…SO OVERWHELMED!! But GOD, (as always) refreshedsme and brings me back to my purpose “To be a Servant and glory HIM while serving others”! Thanks for sharing! As always, it’s a wonderful article. Love you much!
I soooo needed to hear this today! God’s timing is so perfect! Thanks for a great post Robyn!!
Robyn, it is so true! Service to our families has taken a back seat in value these days. I thank the LORD for giving you such a serving heart ! You are appreciated more than you will ever know! I can see ALL that Mom taught us in you and MORE!! Your husband and children thrive because of you! You have MUCH to be proud of! THANK the LORD for EVERYTHING!!
Robyn–Help, please help me understand the female students and their thinking. It is a shame that their education in a christian school missed “servanthood”. You trained your son good. I give your son and his male friend, a pat on the back for picking up the slack—-but those girls’ attitudes need to be addressed.