Have you ever heard the expression, “give until it hurts”?
Last Saturday, my friend Amber and I, along with 200 more volunteers, had a chance to experience this very feeling when we participated in VCNPs 14th annual Spa Day – an outreach event to the single mothers in our community.
Almost 300 women were pampered and ministered to through different kinds of services, including: pedicures, manicures, paraffin baths, professional massages, haircuts, make up application, a delicious brunch, gifts, prayer and a chance to share with other women in similar circumstances.
“Was there a message?” my mom asked me this morning over the phone, as I tried to describe this incredible event to her. Funny how we church people always feel like we need to “preach” in order to reach others.
“No, Mom,” I answered. “The ‘message’ is shared on a one-on-one basis, as women bless other women with their acts of service.”
As I thought about my mom’s question, tender snapshots flooded my mind: volunteer women gently rubbing tired moms’ feet or polishing their nails while lending a sympathetic ear; our guests walking out of the building, feeling pretty and confident with their makeovers; me asking women if they had come together and they responding “we just met”, thought they acted as if they had known each other for ever…
After the event, Amber and I stopped at a nearby restaurant for a bite to eat. We staggered out of the car, waddled into the restaurant, and plopped our tired selves on the bench.
“My legs feel like Jell-O,” I said.
“My butt is bruised,” she replied.
“That was CRAZY!”
“Indeed!”
“But it felt great to give back,” said Amber.
“Indeed,” I responded. Then we looked at each other and smiled.
My friend’s words have had me thinking. Giving back sure feels good sometimes, even when it hurts, but the reason we Christian do it goes beyond our feelings. Giving and serving is a very practical, yet very spiritual act of fervor (Romans 12:11) and Paul the Apostle encouraged the believers to serve wholeheartedly, as if we were serving, not just people, but the Lord himself. (Ephesians 6:7)
I’ve also been thinking of all the women who gave so much of themselves last Saturday and long before that, especially our dear Rebecca Turrigiano, who headed this event. You girls, planned, donated items, looked for sponsors, set up, decorated, cleaned up, cooked, baked, made coffee, served meals, painted nails, cut hair, massaged backs, trimmed bangs, styled hair, greeted, ran like crazy the entire morning, prayed, ministered, smiled, listened, encouraged, and gave back until your arms, feet and backs hurt.
To all of you I’d like to say, THANK YOU, from the bottom of my heart. Your sacrificial acts of service blessed me – and hundreds of women – more than we could ever express.
As I read these beautiful words of encouragement from Paul to the church in Corinth, I think of you:
Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. (2 Corinthians 9:13)
You girls are my heroes,
Ana
