Service is just turning up

Service is not a public display that is over in an event.
It is the daily turning up
It is the problem addressed that has no obvious solution
It is the washing-up after
It is the carrying back of heavy bags
It is the accumulation of unfinished need that lies heavy
It is in the kindness of the returned phone call or email
It is in the time taken
The being with when no one else was
The offering without recognition
The caring without expectation of thanks
Costing not less than everything.
I open my hands to the God who transforms offering into gift
And service into blessing
I thank you Lord for the need you find in me
The place where compassion is born
And service becomes your grace offered
Your grace received.  

From -The city is my monastery – Richard Carter