When the forests wipe the sleep from their eyes and ever-so-slowly pull on their ethereal dressing-gowns of green, I always unbox my own earthy memories of the days I spent as a landscaper. Those were humbling days, and rich ones.
Rich, because I could be in the dirt, and beautify the land, and feel the ever-changing winds on my face, and work hard–all things I love. Humbling, because I was unpackaged into this earth with a good bit of pride, and pride and serving do not get along. In order to thrive as a landscaper, I learned to show up each morning and ask, “What would you like done today? And how would you like it done?” and not say a bit more than that, unless it was to say, “Got it!” or, “Could you show me how?”
Servant.
An odd name for a visionary to take on, isn’t it? For a stubborn, creative, out-of-the-box thinker? Servant.
I’ve listened to the Gospel of John four or five times over during the last month, and one thing I keep being amazed by is the way in which Jesus served his Father! The way he gave him honor!
“To do the will of the One who sent me.” “Not so that I will receive praise, but to glorify my Father.”–he said these again and again!
Wisdom choosing to walk in humility. Power choosing to walk in obedience.
What was the result of this obedience, this humble servanthood? EVEN MORE POWER. And for everyone to share… forever!
I look at my hands, and stretch them flat open, palms up. I am teaching my heart to say, “Yes, Jesus. Got it.” or, “Yes, Jesus. Could you show me how?”
It is not my job to understand. It does not matter if I enjoy the route, or not.
Servants.… blazing a path of humble praise and joyful obedience. Giving up their own wisdom in exchange for heaven-wisdom. Giving up their power in exchange for heaven-power.
Paving the way for more glory, more revelation, more power!
“Yes, Jesus!”
