During the season of Lent, I will be sharing a short post each day as part of the Lent-Photo-a-Day Journey, providing a sort of brief reflection and witness through the journey to and through the cross, to the tomb, and out into the world.

The word designated for March 21st is “Serve.”

How do you picture service? Do you view your vocations and professions as service? Do you view your ministry as service? How about your leadership?

For me, I see service as all of the above. So, it’s partly with this in mind why I have struggled to find just one photo to share today. When you serve, you offer or provide something. I hope that this service comes without an expectation of return. Like when I served cake to my new spouse at our wedding reception (at right).

When you serve, you usually do so alongside others. This might be through a form of accompaniment, but it also is likely through collaborating with colleagues, friends and other leaders. I have served alongside my friend and pastor Fred Hanson now in two separate congregations. I know that I have grown a lot in understanding my own sense of ministry and calling thanks to him and his advice and willingness to provide opportunities for me. I hope that in my service in ministry with him, that others have been encouraged, shaped and grown in their own understanding of themselves, their gifts and strengths as well.

A big part of service though for me, is making time to learn, talk and be together. The multitude of wonderful family, friends and leaders I have relationship with have all had this one thing in common, a willingness to sit, talk and spend time together. One such example is in this picture at right with my uncle in-law, pastor David Parks. While other parts of our family were running around before a wedding rehearsal, we found a spot in a pew and caught up on life, sharing stories, questions and ideas. For me, being someone who serves involves being in relationship. It also involves a willingness to make time.

What does serving mean to you? How do you serve? Why do you serve? How do you experience being served?