Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Philippians 2:1-2
“Joy and gratitude are the qualities of the heart by which we recognize those who are committed to a life of service in the path of Jesus Christ. We see this in families where parents and children are attentive to one another’s needs and spend time together despite many outside pressures. We see it in those who always have room for a stranger, an extra plate for a visitor, time for someone in need. We see it in the sudents who work with the elderly, and in the many men and women who offer money, time, and energy for those who are hungry, in prison, sick, or dying. We see it in the sisters who work with the poorest of poor. Wherever we see real service we also see joy, because in the midst of service a divine presence becomes visible and a gift is offered. Therefore, those who serve as followers of Jesus discover that they are receiving more than they are giving. Just as a mother does not need to be rewarded for the attention she pays to her child, because her child is her joy, so those who serve their neighbor will find their reward in the people whom they serve.”
Henri Nouwen in Compassion: A Reflection on the Christian Life (New York: Image Doubleday, 1983) 30.
As I read my book in the morningquietness of a large rented house with relatives who had come together by Lake Tahoe (pictured above), slowly my nieces and nephews, young parents, emerged with little kids. At that point, this reading came to life before my eyes.
When feeding a little baby with a bottle, a young mom received more blessing than she extends. The same was true for a young father. Soon the room was filled with life and happiness. While some sacrificed to wake up early, their service was abundantly rewarded.
The invitation to generous and compassionate service is, paradoxically, an invitation to receive more than we give. We don’t figure it out until we live it out that abundant joy and gratitude await us. When we adopt the mind of Christ, look what awaits us!
I have a way to go to exhibit tenderness and compassion. But what I will say is that setting aside my work on my daily post and helping the young parents with their toddlers was the highlight of my morning. It was even better than the good cup of coffee my son-in-law made for me. That was good too!