But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. (Matthew 23:11) 

 

When my mom entered a nursing home, I got the chance to observe the many people who care for those who reside there. I remember the first time that I saw Manny. He looked like a tough guy but proved to be quite the opposite. Each day, Manny helps his mother with lunch. He gently and carefully feeds her, one tiny spoonful at a time. I believe that his patience and compassion sustains her more than anything on the lunch plate. Also, I observe aides who work for little money yet show love and concern to patients who are too weak to care for themselves. Some residents cannot even acknowledge their help. The local news sometimes features heroes who perform great service and deserve to be recognized. However, many other people quietly serve those around them day after day in obscurity. They will never make the evening news. I’m sure that they would hardly consider themselves great; yet in their actions, I see people serving as Christ taught us to serve. Their faithful and steadfast service truly makes them what Jesus called “the greatest among you.” 

 

Open our eyes, Lord, to those who serve with patience and grace. Help us to learn from their example so that we may humbly serve those we meet. Amen. 

 

When I first read this devotion I was reminded of the many people in my life who serve with such patience and grace. Just as today’s devotion said, they may never make the evening news and they would hardly consider  themselves great but the example and impact they have made in my life has left footprints and I will never be the same because of who they are as the example they set in my life. Take a moment today and think of those in your life who set such an example, call them,  send them a txt and let them know you see them, express your gratitude for there love, patience, faithfullness, steadfastness and  quiet service or say a prayer for them. It’s those people that make the world even more beautiful. 

 

Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord! 

 

Today’s Reading is James 1:19