My petite, Italian mom always had a way of making the first day of school one I looked forward to. I was always jittery and excited for that first day back, wondering who I’d sit with at lunch and whether or not I’d have a cute boy in my class.
But the part I remember and cherish the most was coming home after school.
Every year, my mom would bake a cake that’d be waiting on the kitchen counter after that first day back. My brother and I knew that regardless of whether we had a great day or not, we’d at least have a hug from mom and a slice of cake waiting for us. She always had a way of making us feel special!
What I love and appreciate about my mom is that she showed me what it looks like to use our gifts for the benefit of others. I may not remember how sweet the cake tasted after school, but I will always remember how loved I felt.
1 Peter 4:10 says, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. (NIV)”
Acts of service plant seeds of faith.
When we encourage, teach, offer words of wisdom, or simply bake a cake to make someone feel special, we are serving by reflecting Jesus’ generous, thoughtful love. Jesus modeled grace-filled servanthood by dying on the cross for our sins. When we receive Him into our hearts, we receive spiritual gifts that are meant to be intentionally shared with others. The best use of our gifts is to give them away!
My mom never knew baking a cake would impact my faith, but because she stewarded her gifts, I had a glimpse into the heart of Jesus. There is someone out there who will know Jesus better because of your willingness to serve. With your talent and heart, the sky is the limit on how God can use you.
When you’ve been served by others, how has it impacted you?
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