Mark 9:35 (NIV)

"If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all."

Well now...I certainly feel the knife twist conviction on that one! :) As a mother and wife and "professional volunteer" I sometimes fall victim to a "what about me?" attitude. While I know we are to take the time to fill our own cups so that we can fill others, the gist of it is: we are called to be servants. Period. Whether we want to or not. Whether it's convenient. Whether, you know, there's a crucifixion on the horizon or other things like that...

Servanthood is exhausting, but He is so faithful to bring us an attitude of contentment and joy when we bring our *&%* to the altar and just...breathe Him in and ask.

Lord, I thank You for the opportunity to be Jesus in skin to those around me. Thank You for your new mercies and strength each day, because You know that servanthood can be exhausting and very, very daily at times. I pray for myself, my family, and those reading that You would forgive any "woe is me"/"what about me?" attitudes, and that you would refresh and strengthen each act of service--whatever it may be. Wiping down the counter for the 876th time is an act of worship if we do it as unto You. I pray that each act of service that You call me toward would be exhilarating because it brings glory to Your name. In Jesus' name. Amen.