I like to ask myself, who am I bringing joy to, myself or others?  Why do I feel it is necessary if I am doing this for myself?  What is my goal?  Am I doing this for me to better serve others?  Or am I doing this for me because I want to achieve increased personal success?  

Generally, I can twist what I am doing to be anything that fits my needs at the moment.  The only one able to see the true meaning of our actions is Jesus.  I know that I could be doing different things with my life, but would those things be as important as serving others?

My service has changed and evolved as I spend more time here on earth.  However, the questions are always the same.  Why am I choosing this option?  What is the motivation behind my actions?  

When I made career decisions, I pushed myself to ask why I wanted the next position.  After becoming a parent I asked myself the same question, why am I chasing this opportunity?  

I chose to be a caregiver to my parents.  No one asked, suggested, or guilted me into this position.  It was for me because I wanted to serve my parents the way they served me all my life.  Thankfully, my siblings feel the same. 

I am not going to receive any bonus in life, gain a line on my resume, or become more well-known to those in my field of expertise.  My bank account is not getting any fatter and my social life is no more exciting.  

I feel very fortunate to be able to care for my parents.  A gift of time for both me and them.  A connection I will never be able to reproduce.  A moment in time that we get to spend together.  It is a learning experience, slowing down to enjoy moments that cannot be duplicated.  

Everyone’s opportunity to serve is different.  What works for me may not be right for someone else.  But what is important are your intentions and follow through.  Are you serving with kindness, compassion, and love?  Will your service better the opportunity for others, or simply check off a box on your resume?  There are countless ways to serve; time, money, and expertise, are among just a few.  The bottom line for me is bringing joy to Jesus.

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