For even the Son of Man

   came not to be served

                  but to serve

and to give His life

   as a ransom for many.

                   Mark 10. 45

(How do we approach

what is before us

   or treat those on our path?

Do we seek to be served

                or to serve?

Different journey,

different trajectory,

    and a million new outcomes.

We cannot ever know

how deeply God is using us

      in the lives of others.

Our hearts,

our deeds,

   even our attitudes

   can bring glory to Him.

The love of Jesus in our hearts

   empowers us to see

            -- and respond to--

   all situations and people

           and needs differently.

Love means not "I have to"

   but "I get to" serve.

How does that change

    not just what we do today

    but how we do it?)

O LORD,

You have placed before us

     not problems to be solved,

     or situations to endure,

but opportunities to serve You

         and serve others

            in Your name

            and with Your love.

Open our eyes and hearts

   to how we can

        serve You joyously

        with happy hearts,

knowing that You redeem

       what appears impossible

and multiply every gracious deed.