“Indeed He says, ‘It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also give You as a light to the Gentiles, that You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth.’” Isaiah 49:6
Back when I was in college, I worked at a health club that had quite a few wealthy members. I was one of a half-dozen exercise and fitness instructors who catered to folks with maids, gardeners, and assorted other servants at home. I often thought about how nice it would be to walk in their shoes, and I dreamed of the day when I would graduate, find a high-paying job, and live the life I assumed my clients led. ) Although my boss told me that I’d never make a lot of money doing what I did, but I’d find some satisfaction from helping others.)
A couple of years after I started, one of my favorite clients invited me to lunch. My boss gave me the go-ahead (I didn’t want to do anything unethical), so I accepted. I was excited to have even a slight taste of this woman’s endlessly glorious life. But I was shocked to learn she was miserable.
We spent the first half hour ordering and chatting about mostly insignificant things. Then she fidgeted for a moment, gulped, and reached out her hand. “Debby,” she said softly, “what’s your secret?”
I tilted my head and gave her one of those clueless looks. What secret?
“You always seem so happy. I never see you without a smile. I want what you have.”
I was stunned into silence. She wanted what I had?
“But you have everything you could possibly want,” I squeaked.
A smile slowly crept over her face as she shook her head. “It might look that way, but I’m miserable. I spend most of my days trying to fight depression. I go to the health club every day hoping that some of your joy will rub off on me.”
That was a major eye opener. I really was a happy person, and it certainly wasn’t because I had a lot of external things to keep me that way. Between tight quarters in my dorm room and a car that I prayed would start every time I got in it, there was always something that could be improved.
My joy came from within – that felling of knowing Christ was always with me. I wasn’t sure how I’d be received, but I took a chance and told my client the source of my happiness. To my surprise, she teared up and said, “I thought that might be the case, but I wasn’t sure. I haven’t been to church in years. Do you think it would be okay if I went sometime? With you?”
Of course I said I would love it!
Today’s Prayer
Lord Jesus, I pray that You’ll keep me content with a servant’s heart. Fill me with confidence to accept where I am, and give me opportunities to share the good news with others. Amen.
