Frustrations of Serving

Serving other people is not always easy. Sometimes we talk about service as if it were glamorous. The way we say “God calls us to serve one another” makes it sound so noble and simple. While the call to serve might be divine in origins, at times serving other people stinks. Figuratively and literally.

Last week I joined a team of a dozen people for four days in Cedar Rapids, IA, to serve in flood recovery efforts. In June 2008 Cedar Rapids was devastated with the flood waters of the Cedar River. The river crested at 31.12 feet – over 11 feet higher than the previous record in 1851! Driving through the city on Interstate 380 makes it hard to notice the devastation that remains. But disaster officials have projected that the city’s recovery will not be complete for eight years or more.

Members of our team put hands to work mucking rotted garbage, finishing drywall, and painting homes. At times we were busy working; other times we were busy waiting…for orders, materials, skilled leaders, or communication. A seasoned contractor on our team particularly noticed the failure of coordination; “our work could be so much more effective and efficient if only…”

How often Jesus might have felt impatient with his disciples! If only his disciples would open their ears and put two and two together! Jesus’ ministry, too, might have been better coordinated, more effective and efficient ‘if only’. The Gospels convey a sense of Jesus’ exasperation with waiting on his disciples: “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you?” (Mark 9:19).

For Jesus as for us, serving isn’t always easy or smooth. It involves patience and a great deal of humility. You’ll probably get dirty, too. But somehow, it makes all the difference in the world.