MARY

Mary was a woman well into her 70s. She could put those who were younger to shame by her tireless energy and service to others. She especially enjoyed cooking and serving food at a senior citizen center in a poor section of town. Mary’s help was much needed there.

One problem arose, however. The faster she worked and flew around the kitchen, the more stinging her words were to anyone who got in her way. By the time dinner was served in the church fellowship hall, the atmosphere of the entire room had been poisoned. Anyone who had tried to help Mary was scorched by her impatience.

How many times do we, with our impatient attitude and hurtful words, poison the atmosphere around us? Oh, how careful we must be! In our desire to serve others, we must not fill our hands so full that we become impatient in our serving.

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness and patience . . . . Colossians 3:12

Heavenly Father, please let my serving be as unto You, full of Your peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.