Who have you served today?

“Who have you served today?”

The other night while I was staying at a hostel in A Guarda, I was asked whether or not I wanted dinner.

I hesitated saying, “Yes.”

I didn’t want to be a burden.

I didn’t want the person to go out of his way to make an extra meal.

He insisted.

“It’s not a big deal. I’m going to make all of the food anyway, so I don’t have to carry the extra weight with me.”

I accepted his offer.

Moments after finishing the meal, I chose to return the favor.

Not only to him, but everyone at the table.

I got out of my seat and asked, “Could I wash your dishes?”

One person responded, “You don’t have to do this.”

I said, “You’re correct. I don’t have to do this. I want to do this.”

I didn’t expect anything in return.

I didn’t want recognition for washing their dishes.

I didn’t want them to do the same for me the following day.

True act of service doesn’t come with any debt.

I wanted to serve because service helped them and helped me.

Washing dishes has been therapeutic for me.

It gives me a chance to focus on one task and one task only.

The act of washing dishes eliminates all of the other “distractions” I experience throughout the day.

Who have you served today?

If your day is just starting, who can you serve today?