Revelation 15:3 They sang the song of
Moses the
servant of God and
the song of the Lamb: “Great
and marvelous are your deeds, Lord
God Almighty. Just
and true are your ways, King
of the ages.”
Of all the
titles that are given to people on Earth by God, the word ‘servant’ is the most
honorific. To serve God and to serve others in this life are wonderful gifts,
and for those of us who have been the recipients of true service, the blessings
are many.
My
mother-in-law, Barbara Smith, was such a person. She truly served her family
all of her life. She looked after her ageing parents on a daily basis and her
sense of duty toward them was both humbling and amazing to see. Babs cared extensively
for her mom when she was dying of cancer; and she looked after her father
lovingly each day when he became a widower. She did his laundry, cooked his
meals, and looked after his medication without any real complaints. She was
tired, weary, and exhausted at times because she had a full time job, as well
as looking after her own family, but she always served her Dad respectfully and
dutifully.
Babs was
also an excellent wife to Bill. She looked after everything for him, and
devoted much of her life to serving him. Like most of their generation, Bill and
Babs had their struggles. Their firstborn son John died of leukemia as an
infant, which must have been a terrible heartache for both of them. However, in
the midst of their pain and loss, they stayed together and raised three more
children – Evelyn, Billy, and David – who were constantly loved and served by
Babs. Whatever they wanted, she provided. Whatever support they needed, she
gave. Her role as matriarch to her own family was built upon her decades of
service that she sacrificially bestowed upon them as wife and mother. As expected,
she cared deeply for Bill, especially in his later years when he was suffering
from dementia. She served him as well as any wife could, right up until the
time when he required full professional care.
When
grandchildren came into her life, Babs opened her heart and home for all of
them. She was proud of each and every one of them. As usual, she served them
fully with love and care, food and friendship. In her later years, after
decades of working as a home help in the community, she devoted her retirement to
all of her family. She lived for them because she loved them; she served them
because cherished them.
As her
son-in-law, Babs and I had a good relationship. She allowed and welcomed me
into her family life, as she did for Jacqueline, her daughter-in-law. We did have
our moments, but overall I felt very fortunate to have someone as caring as
Babs in my own life. When I lived with her Dad for two years, I also was well
looked after. Her home cooking and wonderful baking were amazing. Her homemade tripe
soup and coconut cake were the best I've ever tasted.
Tragedy
revisited Babs when her youngest son David died suddenly a couple of years ago.
Her heartache at losing two sons in this life must have deeply wounded her
emotionally, but she still continued on, living her life for the rest of her
family. She truly was a remarkable woman.
Her faith in
God was severely tested throughout her life, however she remained a servant of
His Kingdom despite the struggles and pain that she endured. She has now gone
beyond the surly bonds of Earth into the eternal realms of Heaven, to be reunited
with all of her loved ones, whom she served dutifully and beautifully in this
world. As I stated before, there is no greater honorific title on Earth than to
be called a servant by God. Babs exemplified that title with her own
sacrificial life. The beauty about her is this: I see those same gifts and
qualities in the life of her daughter Evelyn, who is my wife, as well as in the
lives of my daughters Lynsey and Lauren.
May God bless you all this day; and may He also give us opportunities
to serve our loved ones and others. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
John Stuart is pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in
Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment or ask a question of today’s
message, please send him an email to Traqair@aol.com.
