Category Archives: Inspirational

Matthew 23:11″ The greatest among you shall be your servant.”

Servanthood is becoming a rare commodity in our present “do-it-yourself” world.

I still remember when going to the store was a rather stress-free experience.  There were plenty of department store staff willing to help you find your item, find your size and  make sure you had a perfect fit. A transaction was not complete until the customer was fully satisfied.

Finding shoes was one challenge that sales persons helped make less frustrating. First, they measured feet with a sliding metal device. Then they searched the back room for the selected shoes. In Cinderella’s footman style, they kneeled to slip shoes on customers’ feet. They had to use extra care to avoid causing pain to their customers.  Sometimes a shoe horn was used to slip the shoes on. For children, they had to master the skill of assessing “room to grow” by mashing the end of the big toe allowing an inch of space from the shoe tip. I sometimes was embarrassed for shoe salespeople as they inevitably encountered customers with smelly or calloused feet that were not too appealing.

Finding a bra in the lingerie department was another ordeal that became fairly painless as salesladies made numerous trips back and forth from the dressing room to be sure a style was chosen  that properly fit chest measurements. They had to learn to be discreet and complimentary no matter the proportional challenges of the customers they assisted.

At gas stations,  attendants stood in line ready to pump gas, clean windshields and check fluid levels under hoods.  In addition, all states made it mandatory for vehicles to pass a maintenance test in order to be driven each year. It was uncommon to see cars broken down by the side of the road in those days because of the level of service every automobile owner received.

I have rarely received such extraordinary service in my current day shopping excursions or auto repair work. When I do, I am sure to let the salesperson or mechanic know of my appreciation. Servanthood is a quality in the service industry that is greatly missed.  However,  it is something that we all can make a conscious effort to try to exhibit to others at whatever station in life we find ourselves.

Here is Mr. Red Bird. He posed for a picture outside my office window today.

A strange but wonderful thing has been happening at my husband’s office the last few months.  Ken has noticed a red bird or cardinal with its mate outside his window on a regular basis.  I go in to work twice a week. When I am there I have seen those birds perched in the tree outside my office window next to Ken’s. They sit there for a long time as if they are making sure that I notice them.  It is strange because we do not have a bird feeder outside. None of the neighbors have feeders either.  It is even more curious because there is a cat that lives under a deserted building next door and he is often on the prowl.  Most birds would be scared away by his ominous presence.

There is a legend about the visitation of cardinals. The story goes that if one gets visits from a cardinal, it is a sign that a loved one who has passed away is near in spirit. I lost my daddy almost five years ago.  I think of him often when I hear music as he was a classical musician.  He was an animal lover too.  I would like to think that he is with me when I see God’s beautiful creatures. When red birds appear during the Christmas holidays and near my birthday in February they especially remind me of my daddy who gave me love gifts on those special days. What a comfort it is to think he is with me again and is celebrating my life while he is in heaven.