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Scrubbing Roasters

7/9/2012

6 Comments

 
 
…“God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”James 4:6

Many Americans think about the 4th of July and conger up images of
fireworks, picnics, swimming and all kinds of family summer fun.  I think of those things as well, but the 4thof July image that always blinks in my mind first; dirty roasters! For those readers not living here in Westphalia, let me interject.  The St. Mary’s 4th of July picnic is a celebration of huge
proportion! Hundreds of folks come to town to celebrate and eat BBQ beef, gravy burgers or sausage and kraut.  Pounds and pounds of meat are cooked and served that day, leaving behind a mountain of dirty roasters.  As
you might imagine, an event this big requires the volunteer assistance of
everyone in the parish.  For about 20 years, my work shift has been scrubbing roasters.  I have never really minded the job because I’m an absolute wizard with a putty knife and five hour old, baked on gravy! (I have seriously considered adding this skill to my resume!) There is something to be said for doing a job and truly being able to clearly see the end result.

The truth is, I didn’t APPRECIATE my roaster scrubbing job until this year when I looked at it through different eyes.  The eyes of a very holy and inspiring woman named, Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta. You may be wondering what a nun from India could possibly have to do with scorched sauerkraut!  Well, here’s the connection; her entire life was dedicated to humble service to others.  She did things nobody else wanted to do with people nobody else wanted to serve.  She was able to sweetly find and serve God through each loving task performed for someone else’s benefit.  Even after all she did for others; she consistently practiced acts of humility because it was through performing these acts that she was able to feel closest to God.  Her favorite task to increase humility was to clean bathrooms.  I don’t suppose there were any “scrubbing bubbles” involved either…it was a “roll up your sleeves, scrub the floor with an old toothbrush kind of cleaning.”  That kind of humble service makes scrubbing those roasters seem like an afternoon by the pool sipping mint juleps!
 
We live in a world where we like convenience and service, but if we look at the words from the Apostle James, we quickly realize that God’s graces don’t stem from being great, important and served.  His rich graces come from HUMBLE SERVICE done for others!  When was the last time you completed a loving act of humble service for another?  My mom said a million times as I grew up, “The greatest way to serve God is to serve others.” As each of those roasters were being cleaned, I called to mind someone who needed God’s healing, peace and comfort  and taking my cue from Mother Teresa, the task was humbly and lovingly offered for their benefit.  I fall so very short of her beautiful example, but people like her keep
me tryin’!

 
A seed to plant:  Throughout the upcoming week, purposefully complete at least one act of humble service for another person each day.  It might be something as simple as picking up the stray paper towel from the floor of a
public restroom…nothing makes you feel greater than to humble yourself before your Father.  Feel free to post a comment; we’d all love to hear about your homework!

Blessings on your day!

6 Comments
Ruth Heckman
7/9/2012 12:33:33 am

Good Morning!

I am amazed every year at the number of volunteers who give freely of their time to make the 4th of July festival a success. This was an especially challenging year with the temperature over 100 degrees. This speaks volumes about the giving nature of our community to pull off such a huge event. I not only saw the veteran workers who tirelessly give of their time year after year but also those of the younger generation who stepped up to be chairs and co-chairs. Job well done!

Reply
Cindy Thelen link
7/9/2012 03:50:06 am

Sheri, I am excited to finally get to log on and read your stories. I always find them inspiring and very humorous. Puts a smile on my face. I will do my best to find that opportunity for humble service every day. THANKS also to Blessed Mother Theresa for showing us what humble service, like cleaning toilets, is all about. If anyone gets a chance to read the book, Blessed Mother Theresa, a personal portrait, you will know what Sheri and I are talking about here. Ever since reading that book, I havent been able to clean a toilet without thinking of Mother Theresa. Thanks for loaning the book to me.

Reply
Mary Armbrustmacher
7/9/2012 03:32:38 pm

I spent 2 hours driving in the heat on Saturday to go help my sister with her yardwork.By the time we got started it was high noon( High temp too). I nearly passed out from the heat, and really wondered why I had put myself through it.................until now.
I did it out of Love for her and I love the Lord for giving me the opportunity to serve him through her.

Reply
Melissa Smith
7/11/2012 03:44:59 pm

Sheri,
My husband is from Westphalia and his mother recommended your blog. It is very inspirational and I look forward to each new post. Thanks for sharing!
Melissa Smith

Reply
Carolyn Norton
7/12/2012 03:50:18 am

Sheri-
Thanks so much for putting the time in to share your words in your blog with us! I hope you know how much your words mean and how much we appreciate it!

Reply
Germaine Kowatch
7/19/2012 05:15:47 am

Sheri,
thans for the Scrubbing Roasters story. I was at that festival and it was hot. I too noticed the many volunteers and thought how fortunate that parish is to have so many who do so much. With that said, I will be purchasing the book and move it to the top of my summer reading list! So glad I was introduced to your blog!

All things really are possible through God!

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