There are few people who have had as powerful of an impact on my understanding of serving with a heart of Christ like Madeline. This past week we celebrated the life of someone who deeply touched so many so profoundly. Madeline will be missed by family, friends, my congregation, the community and countless others who may not know her name but have felt her warmth and compassion though the selfless way she made other (the least of these) a priority.
This month in our student ministry we are talking about social justice and serving the people who may fall through the cracks if we are too focused on ourselves. The series is titled “Justice League”. As I think about our series this week and about the way that I have been blessed to cross lives with a real life Saint of Middletown I have thought about the way that we are called to be cheerful in our service.
When I was a middle schooler, Madeline would ask my friends and I to help serve in a way that wouldn’t leave too much room for discussion. Because it was her we didn’t hesitate because we knew if we didn’t life the 50 pound bags of groceries into her care she, at 70 something , would do it herself. When I would return home I would tell my parents “I got to help Madeline Today!!!” She had a way of serving and inviting others to serve without them knowing it. My mom would look at my dad and say, “He will move groceries and couches all day for her, but if I ask him to feed the dogs that is out of the question”
Madeline’s heart and joy for serving was infectious. It drew others in and you would have a great tome doing work that you knew meant something to someone else.
As we look to this next month think about ways you can not only serve, but be a blessing while serving. Take joy in living out the call that God has placed on your heart. share the gospel though your actions and share that joy with our students as we seek to make a difference for the kingdom.
Be God’s
