Setting an Example
The other day my wife and I had (finally) gotten all the kids dressed, their teeth brushed, their hair done, their shoes and socks on, and were getting ready to head off to the park. As I walked to the front closet where my own shoes were deposited my 2-year old daughter rushed ahead of me and grabbed my shoes. She brought them back and set them down in front of me. She then grabbed my leg and tried to “help” me put my foot in. After my foot was in, she bent down to the laces and wiggled her fingers around, pretending to tie them.
Of course, I thanked her profusely for her wonderful service. That’s what she does though. If one of the older kids is sweeping the kitchen as part of their chore, she will run in and try to take the broom or dustpan so that she can help. If anyone finishes drinking, she’ll grab the empty bottle and throw it in the trash. When my 4-year old son accidentally dropped milk on my leg, my daughter ran for a paper towel and wiped up the mess.
She’s only two, of course, so sometimes that service backfires. She once threw away my favorite non-disposable water-bottle, and she has a knack for sweeping things under the couch and “putting things away” in obscure locations.
But she loves deeply, and she has chosen to show that love through constant acts of service.
The Lesson
The lesson that I would love to take from her example is this:
How can I learn to love and eagerly serve as authentically as she does?
I wish I had an answer to that one, but I’m still trying to figure it out. Luckily I have a good teacher! 🙂