Today is Good Friday and Sunday is Easter in the Christian world.  And, I’m a sinner saved by grace.  Wednesday at my weekly Men’s early morning Bible Study the comment was made that this weekend, when we commemorate or celebrate Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection, those of the Christian faith recognize the greatest event of the past 2,000 plus years on earth.

While Christ’s death and resurrection over the power of death is the ultimate victory in the Christian faith, Jesus’ years as a leader of a band of disciples also gives us many clues as to how to live life to the fullest. . . . and one of those manifestations is to live life as a servant to others.

Here’s what one writer says about “Serving”, . . . .“Having a servant’s heart means to not only put other’s needs ahead of our own, but to serve with the right motivation. . . Rewards, recognition or even gratitude cannot be the motivation to live out true servanthood.” 

There are a lot of reasons people choose their vocations. . . .it may be something they enjoy doing, it may be the lifestyle of the profession such as in pilots or flight attendants with travel, it may have to do with time off — many teachers enjoy being off in the summer months, or it may even be the financial rewards their chosen vocation provides.

However, I think a lot of people choose their vocations simply because they want to “Serve”.  Specifically, I think of some in the medical profession such as doctors and nurses, and I also think of teachers, social workers, missionaries. . . . and, yes, funeral directors.

To be honest, I operated a funeral business and making a profit was part of that calling.  However, the longer I worked I learned that the more “Service” I gave to families, the easier it was to generate profits.  And, I loved “serving people of my community”. . . quite frankly, I still do when given the chance. . . .such as serving on committees and the like.

While I was the Owner/Manager of the business and making sure that we had profits and the ability to pay staff was part of my responsibilities, I’ve always been amazed at the number of funeral directors, without those responsibilities, who chose the profession simply “To Serve”.  And, in my opinion, it is these folks who make the death care profession what it is. . . . . . a caring ministry to those in need.

I didn’t like getting up at 3 a.m. for death calls. . . . nor did I like transporting dozens of flowers from the funeral home to the church for a service. . . . However, as I got older and older I realized that this was part of my “serving” and looked at it quite differently than just an occupation where I make a living.  The concept of “Serving” other human beings was gratification on its own and I’m certainly glad that I had employment as a funeral director where that feeling of “worth to others” was available.

When we are young we all want to be “Successful”.  I’m now retired from being an active funeral director and some people may tell you that I was “Successful” — of course that is a relative term.  The jury is probably still out on me as to that term, but I will tell you that as I’ve aged I no longer look at the term “Successful” as a life’s goal. . . . .I think there is a time that you cross a bridge and it is no longer “About You”, but “About Others”.  I now want to be “Significant” in the lives of others. . . .and, funeral directors with that “Servant’s Heart” have that ability to be “Significant” with those we serve almost every day.

As we celebrate this Easter keep this thought in mind, “A Servant’s attitude guided by Christ leads to a Significant life.”

Don’t be satisfied with being “Successful”. . . . be “Significant”.

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