How Serving Others Serves Us

April 18, 2019

“The opportunity to serve is everywhere if the heart is seeking and there is a willingness to take action.”
― Henry Hon, One: Unfolding God’s Eternal Purpose from House to House

How do you think it would feel if every one around you just existed to make you happy; to serve you, feed you, dress you, clean your house, take care of your yard work, feed your animals and maybe even be a friend when you needed one?

At first you might think that sounds really enticing, but if that thought experiment marinates in your mind long enough you might decide that a reality like that would become a very lonely one- Lacking severely in real connection and purpose.

Brown University did an in depth study that revealed the benefits derived from serving. One of the main take-aways I got from reading through that thesis (there were several) was noticing a link between being of service to others and overall health benefits-

“Even when controlling for other factors such as age, health, and gender, research has found that when individuals volunteer, they are more likely to live longer.”

When I was reviewing this topic, I was reminded of a woman who came in the store recently with her mother and after the woman paid for her pottery items, her mother reminded her that she had wanted to pay for it.

“Oh mom, I’m sorry!” She responded. I was struck by her response and thought it was so sweet. She understood that if she didn’t let her mom pay for her gift she would be withholding a joyful opportunity from her. Their dynamic was so pure and sweet towards each other and the strength in their connection was palpable.

Serving others gives us an opportunity to bring joy into a moment we are sharing with another. If it’s in service to someone who is hurting, relieving even a small amount of suffering for another is so rewarding!

It doesn’t require a grand gesture either. It can be small acts of kindness, preparing a special meal for someone close to you or simply just offering a smile. It feels good to give! To be there for others when a helping hand is needed and to show up in the world as a force that improves and brightens its surroundings truly does bring us true happiness.

May we all bring a little more service, a little more compassion and a little more love into the world every day.

-Kayla Marie

Retail Store Manager

Mountain Arts Pottery