Our culture is constantly urging us to stay comfortable. There’s always a new and improved phone, ways to shop from home and more gadgets to make life easier. I myself, love Amazon Prime. But we weren’t put on this earth to live out an easy, self-focused existence. The Lord really spoke to me this morning as I read John 12:24-25.
“Listen carefully: You alone are only a grain of wheat but if you are buried, you sprout and reproduce many times over. In the same way, anyone who holds on to life just as it is destroys that life. But if you let it go, reckless in your love, youll have it forever, real and eternal.“
We are meant to sow into others and reap a harvest that multiplies. Our natural reaction to serving is often asking how will I benefit Yet, giving of your time, talents and resources without expectation, is what it means to love and serve well. It is the uncomfortable, generous life we are meant to live. You see, loving our neighbor, isn’t the person next door to us, it’s the person in front of us.
Affirmation
What perfect timing! As I am writing this post I suddenly get this thank you emailed to me. This is from Tara Furman, of Knowing God Ministries where I often volunteer. Such confirmation.
“Leah! I am so grateful for you. So grateful for your selfless service to Jesus in KGM. Your pictures are absolutely gorgeous. They’re touching. They tell a story in and of themselves. Over the moon- GRATEFUL for your willingness to join us Friday night. So special. So sweet. I woke up in the middle of the night with you in mind. Have you left for Israel? I’ll be praying for you. Sending you a big hug GIGANTIC HUG. If we did not have you there, we would have had a big void without your gifting. May the Lord bless and redeem your time as only He can. Love you Leah.”
Serving others before yourself comes in different forms. As a small business owner, I have felt led to give of my time and talents for those that cannot afford services. As a friend, I have said yes to an invite when I wanted to say no.
Sometimes, serving just means being there for someone when you want to stay home or smiling at a passing stranger. It’s paying attention when you don’t have to. I can tell you from experience, the Lord rewards those that serve out of love and he promotes those that live out of their comfort zone.
designed by: Leah Marie Carson
She knew
One of the greatest examples of a life well spent is Mother Teresa, who showed us how to love and serve not counting the cost.
“Love is a one-way street. It always moves away from self in the direction of the other. Love is the ultimate gift of ourselves to others. When we stop giving we stop loving, when we stop loving we stop growing, and unless we grow we will never attain personal fulfillment; we will never open out to receive the life of God. It is through love we encounter God. – Mother Teresa
Are you ready to witness miracles? To trade comfort for sacrifice?
Beautiful!! Love this weeks blog (honestly every weeks blog) Feeling incredibly grateful and blessed that God brought us together. Love you sweet Leah!
Leah, Your ministry is powerful. In an image age, you allow others to see the relevancy of Jesus in everyday life through your photos. Thank you for your service to King Jesus! So grateful He led you to KGM. Feel so blessed to be a recipient of your fittings. Thank you! Thank you! ?