Although I've read it before, God keeps taking me back to it time and time again. Each and every time I read it I am so convicted that often when I give of myself, it doesn't truly cost me anything. Although I try to give often to my friends and my family through service and gifts (and honestly love serving others), I am usually not truly sacrificing and true giving usually includes some sort of sacrifice.
I don't know about you, but I sometimes get so caught up in the details and tasks in life and in checking things off of my many, many lists- that I forget to ask God how to truly serve those around me. Instead of asking God- the one who created and knows everything- how to serve others, I decide on my own how to best serve and minister to them. And I'm embarrassed to say that it's usually in an easy and quick way. And it breaks my heart to realize that I probably miss the mark most of the time and haven't been giving people what they truly need and what God would tell me they need- if only I took the time to ask.
The eloquently written words of Angie's post have been running through my head during the past few days of painting. The words have encouraged me over and over again to begin to daily ask God what He would have me give, whom He would have me give it to, and then to give me the strength to give it. I have to tell you, it excites and terrifies me all at the same time.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Philippians 2:3-4
