Author: Michelle Tazwell; Recreation Specialist at Petersburg Home for Ladies.
In order to serve others it is essential to have the love of God abiding in your heart. I Corinthians 13:1 says, “Love is patient, Love is kind. It does not envy, It does not boast, It is not rude, It is not self-seeking, It is not easily angered, It keeps no record of wrongs.”
I count it an honor to “Be of Service and to Serve”. It has been my desire all of my life to be of service to others. Often I am helping with small children in the community, mentoring youth, running errands for the elderly widowed, visiting the sick and shut in, cleaning homes for those in need, feeding the hungry, or even visiting those in correctional facilities. By lifting up and encouraging the heavy hearted, or those low in spirit, I fulfill what God desires and directs me to accomplish.
I’ve enjoyed being a part of Petersburg Home for Ladies. I am a part of a great team of those that serve. I bring joy and fulfillment to our ladies by presenting a variety of meaningful activities daily. I take the time to listen to their words, and to their hearts, while serving these wonderful, remarkable ladies. It means more than any amount of money or riches. I can look into their eyes, and see the reflection of joy they experience when they recognize how uniquely special they truly are.
My example is Jesus. Jesus had the heart of a servant. We too must have the heart of a servant. Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice, when He died on an old rugged cross for the sins of the whole world. He made a way that we may be redeemed from being controlled by sin.
My heart loves having compassion for those I serve. It is necessary to hear their concerns and wants, while meeting their needs with dignity, and the full respect they deserve. I’ve found when serving others with a servant heart you don’t take things personal. You remain focused on how you can assist, fulfill a request, and meet the needs of others. God smiles when he knows you are helping others.
Matthew 22:36-40 Greatest Commandment (Love God – and love thy neighbor as thyself). I believe I was born to serve the elderly population. While growing up as a youth; I loved helping a neighborhood elderly missionary women. She would have me iron for her, do small chores around her house, and we annually went out to neighbors for contributions towards the “American Heart Association”. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus, to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”