I’m in North Carolina with a group of youth and adults committed to serving people impacted by Hurricane Irene! Self-lessness requires us to think of ourselves less not think less of ourselves. For me, serving others highlights my selfishness and provides opportunities to continually develop a spirit of service. Sometimes I want credit, acknowledgment or a reaction for the service I provided. In those moments, I’m acting from a space of selfishness. My intention to serve from love or fear determines the meaning I give to my acts of service. Additionally, my intention determines whether I seek one’s approval or acknowledgment. My commitment is to continue to increase the frequency with which I serve from love because I recognize in these moments I don’t look for or seek external validation. Love validates itself. Love also brings up everything unlike itself (Paul Ferrini) for the purpose of healing. In other words, my selfish moments show me what I get to heal. The healing increases my ability to experience Agape love-love without conditions.

These service trips remind me that every moment (with my wife, sons, friends, clients, people in the street, the cashier at Starbucks, church members, you, etc.) is an opportunity to serve! I’m thankful for the National Relief Network and the National Student Leadership Conference for helping me/people develop my/our attitude of service!

This article was written by: Robert Pruitt