Pictured is a berry-ful angel food cake made by Sonia for GraceMary’s 92nd birthday – her favorite.

Last month I posted a mini-message on Facebook about how the simplest things in life can be seen as displays of love and service in the eyes of the Lord. The next day, a close friend said, “Wow, I really needed to hear that!” In her role as a mom, wife, daughter, Bible study leader and friend to so many, she was stretched thin and yet felt guilty about the perception that she was not doing enough in the service of the Lord – oh my!!

Consider with me, the scenario of Christ dying on the cross and the words of John 19:25-27, “Standing near the cross were Jesus’ mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary, and Mary Magdalene. ²⁶ When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved [John], he said to her, “Dear woman, here is your son.”²⁷ And he said to this disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from then on this disciple took her into his home.

At this point in time, Jesus did not say to John, I want you to be a pillar of my church, to be a Bishop over many churches, to take care of my flock, to write a Gospel and yes, write the Book of Revelation too. No, what Jesus asked John to do was to simply take care of Mary, His mom. He was calling John to put a roof over her head, to provide a loving family around her to comfort her, and to make sure she had food and water. Jesus considered these very basic and simple things such important acts of love and service that He requested them, as He was about to take His last breath. And, we need to remember that – that Jesus regarded these very basic and simple acts as important acts of love and service.

The Lord calls us to different works at different points in our life. And we are not all called to be leaders, speakers, writers, teachers and the like. Perhaps today you:

Sent a care package to your son or daughter in the military or away at college

Had your parents over for dinner

Picked up your sick child from school and brought him or her to the doctor

Called to check on your neighbor who wasn’t feeling well

Brought a meal over to a friend who just had surgery

Prayed with a homeless person who was begging

Babysat your grandchildren

Stopped to help a stranger who tripped in the parking lot

Read your child a bedtime story

Took a minute to talk with someone about your love for the Lord

Gave your spouse an extra kiss – just because.

Coached a baseball team of rambunctious 8 year olds.

If some of these are second nature to you, then know that they are all instances of your faith bearing fruit. They are all acts of love and service and are blessed before the Lord. So don’t underestimate your fruitfulness. As you head out to work, make that call or prepare that meal, do it in the name of the Lord and turn it into a love offering to God. Give Him thanks and praise for the all of His gifts that enable you to reach out to others. And finally, keep in mind Hebrews 6:10, “God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.”