Service Day 3: Be Prepared to Help by Todd Buskirk

Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’
                                                                                                                       – Matthew 25: 34-36

One of the most influential people in my childhood, besides my parents, was my Dad’s father, Taylor Buskirk. Granddaddy grew up with very little and then was tasked with raising a family during the Great Depression. In those days, to get by, Granddaddy had to develop different skills. He was a carpenter, dairy farmer, fisherman, master gardener and a barber. It was early in his barbering career when an opportunity to serve came knocking. A stranger showed up on the front porch in a lot of pain. His toe had been infected from an in grown toe nail. Being a barber certainly didn’t qualify you for medical procedures, but trained Doctors were scarce and someone had told the stranger that Mr. Buskirk may be able to help. I’ll spare the reader the details of how a country barber goes about repairing an infected toe, but it was cringe worthy to say the least. After the “operation” was complete Granddaddy bandaged the man up, sent him on his way and never saw him again. I remember sitting there amazed at his story and hoping I was never put in that type of situation when my Grandfather looked at me and said “When people ask you for help you are supposed to help them.” Then he paused and said rather emphatically “We are supposed to help them!” Service to others can be difficult, but he believed that Christian people have an obligation to be the hands and feet of Christ. Making ourselves available to serve is the first step. God will take it from there.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, Give us the courage to step up to our responsibility to serve others so others will know your love. Thank you for the perfect example in Christ. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:  We are here to serve.

Written by Todd Buskirk

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