Unique Service

Posted on December 10, 2015 by Graeme Wilson in Victory Call

I worked in the Travel and Tourism field for many years, for the airlines and hotels, before coming to Keswick.  Both service and unique service was always something that would be a big draw for customers.  Who doesn’t like to be treated special, in a unique way…. to feel like you have been hand-picked to have this service done just for you?  If you walked into a hotel and they greeted you and knew your name as you walked in and then led you to the desk, carried your bags, checked you in, offered you some special accommodations, and maybe even a unique special gift for just coming…how would that make you feel?  At first, I think I would assume they have the wrong person and start looking around for the right person….after which when they tell me it was really for me….I would feel that I was unique and special even for that moment in time.

I remember when we walked into our church a few years ago and we were greeted in a manner that made us feel like they had been waiting for us to arrive.  They had never met us….and we had never been to this church.  Week after week, we were greeted with a heartfelt hug, welcome, smile and a feeling of we belong.  How special that after 2 years of being there….there is never a time when we arrive that we are not treated with this same feeling.

Is this unique?  YES, it is….where can you go and get this greeting these days?

I am reminded of a verse when I enter this church found in Matthew 20:28

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

If the Lord came to serve, who are we to do any less? If you are not sure who to serve, when to serve or where to serve……then ask for WISDOM (see James 1:5).  His words are perfect and truth.  He will direct your path and steps and lead you into serving at the perfect moment.

I have been reminded a few times in the past few months about how to serve in a humble way….I am proud to say that I work with many wonderful people here at Keswick that walk with the Lord daily and serve with a humble sprit. Let me share a few examples with you…

We had a rather larger person who could not tie his shoe….I watched him pace the floor and then finally asked one of our staff men to help him tie his shoe.  Our staff members knelt down and tied his shoe and as he did he started talking about a sports game….in a way that turned that embarrassing moment for a guest into a “by-the-way type conversation” and removed the awkwardness.

I also watched as a staff member, on his way to a coffee shop… spotted a homeless man and purchased a coffee and large donut for him.  When the staff member gave it to the man….he asked for his name and then told him how Jesus loved him.  He didn’t just hand it to him but made him feel special by asking his name.

I also watched a guest check-in with her luggage which happened to be a cardboard box.  She was on a limited income and had a family to take care of ….so her needs were put on the back burner.  Another staff member saw this and got together with me to put together a set of luggage for her.  We gave this to her anonymously so that she would not feel awkward.

Again….He did not come to be served but to serve.  The Lord served in a loving and humble way.  As I write this devotion…my eyes are filled with tears remembering these stories and my heart is challenged by these servants to get out there and serve someone today…how about you?

Lynn Wilson

Lynn Wilson a wife and a mother of two. Currently on Staff at America’s Keswick for the past 20 years. She has been involved in her local church in women’s ministries as well as speaking for other churches and retreats. Her mission statement would be to…touch one life so in turn they can touch a life for eternity. Her greatest joy is to go home at the end of her work day and spend time with her family and enjoy her first ministry which is being a wife and mother.