what does it really mean to serve?

By now you probably realize that I write mostly from my own experiences. That's kinda what a blog is all about, I suppose. Well, I had an experience Saturday that reminded me of our purpose: To serve Jesus by serving others. Here's what happened:

We were generously given tickets to see "Sesame Street Live" at Nationwide Arena. So, we went! I didn't know what the show would be about, but thought that the kids would enjoy it. Well, as it turned out, the story line was all about helping Elmo's plant to grow. I'm trying real hard not to let me sarcasm come out here, but I didn't know you could sing about a plant growing for an hour and a half! Needless to say, Peyton enjoyed it, Meghan tolerated it, and Justin stayed with it 'til about half-way through when he became bored with it. Me? I couldn't wait to get out of there! Yes, I felt guilty for feeling that way during the event, but it just wasn't clicking with me, you know? If some Star Wars storm troopers suddenly burst in on the scene... now that would've been exciting!

Here's the thing, though. This event wasn't designed for adults. It was designed for kids--very young kids. Parents probably weren't meant to get too much out of it. Instead, parents would delight in watching their kids get enjoyment out of it. It was an opportunity to serve.

Our purpose here on Earth is a lot like that. We are designed to find our meaning in serving others, in 'watching' others be blessed in life, so to speak. Much like us parents getting enjoyment out of watching our kids be blessed at "Sesame Street Live," even thought we might rather go to the dentist ourselves! All of life is to be lived this way for the follower of Jesus. It's his example! We will be blessed as we bless others. It's a pretty cool concept, really, but it's opposite of how the world typically thinks and works.

So, what's your "Sesame Street Live" in life? What are those ways that you can find enjoyment out of blessing others? It could be doing something with someone that you know they'll enjoy, even if you won't. It could even mean watching others be blessed through our style of worship, even if you aren't. Those are all sacrifices to be made for the believer. Sometimes they're easy. Sometimes they're hard.

But they're each an act of service given to Jesus.