I couldn’t believe the apology from an email I was waiting
for since Friday. A personal inquiry I had sent her before I finally end my
career at Corrections as a nurse. To me, it wasn’t even a big deal if she
forgot to answer my question. But to my surprise! She apologized for taking a
while to reply as she went to another department to confirm and make sure she
would give me nothing but the RIGHT answer. It only took over 2 days in reality
and those were not even counted as those were weekends and understandably, our
offices in the county were closed.
I emailed her right back and thanked her. She might not know
me but those little things never went unnoticed to me. Simple acts of service
that I hungered for sometimes wherever I went. To get a grande cup of macchiato
in Starbucks. Paying at a cash register. Looking for items I needed for a
particular recipe in a grocery store.
I had been contemplating to resign before this year is over.
I have been feeling that my time in the prison was coming to its end. Still…I
am not sure what path to take. Except that with almost 16 years being there,
God was the only One Who truly was faithful in guiding me. Calming me during
times of trials. Giving me discernment during crucial decision making. Reminding
me of His love and forgiveness despite what was thrown at me. Reminding me of
His presence and power that truly He was and would always be my Boss as I
worked.
Service…That I pray for those years I had done behind those
thick walls, I never pleased anyone but only Him.
Anyone wanting to
be the greatest must be the least…..the servant of all….
That’s what Jesus said…(Mark 9:35)
I look everywhere…Where is true service nowadays? If one is
only devoted to humanity’s cause, more likely a broken heart ensues. But if the
motive is love to God, then, nothing can hinder anyone from serving others.
I have learned from working 10 years in a hospital and
almost 16 years in the prison, work has no fulfillment if I just viewed it
merely as a job.
But any work, no matter
how insignificant it may seem, is truly an opportunity to serve God and man.
Doing things with hands seem a mundane thing. But if those hands are paired
with a willing heart and a servant attitude, then it becomes significant to
whatever service it provides.
I have learned so much wherever the Lord takes me. Like
seeing those who claim they are fulfilled because of what they have are not
true. To me, those who live fulfilled lives usually are the ones busy serving
others faithfully and unconditionally.
Oftentimes, inmates thank me for treatments I have done.
Without them knowing, I learn so much from them when I forget my own needs as I
try to help them with their ailments.
I am slowly giving hints to wonderful co-workers. With
sadness, I know I will miss those who are truly dedicated in helping the
incarcerated ones.
I know I will miss a lot of things when I leave...But in
reality, there is no resignation under God’s Kingdom. He is just placing His
willing servants to places where he or she may grow.
“Where to, Lord? Where to?” are my heart’s cries lately.
Without anxiety. Without fear. Because I know, He will always be there no
matter where He takes me…
Whatever your task,
work heartily, as serving the Lord and not men, knowing that from the Lord you
will receive the inheritance as your reward; you are serving the Lord Christ –
Colossians 3:23-24
For even the Son of Man came not to be served
but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many ~ Matthew 20:28
