When you are young, parents can do things that you do not understand. They tell you how life was different when they were children. They explain that they are punishing you "for your own good." They tell you to be home on time and to "stay safe." I noticed this trend when I was younger. My parents weren't the only parents who were "guilty" of these actions; my friends had parents who did the same things.

After I became a parent, something strange happened. I found myself explaining how life was different when I was a child. I tried to convince my children that discipline would build their character. I even set curfews and repeatedly told them to "be safe." After taking on the responsibilities that my parents had, I started to understand them a lot more.

After washing his disciples' feet, Jesus told them that they should do likewise. It might seem obvious that service is beneficial. When we practice service, we build friendships, contribute to the well-being of others, and learn to see concerns beyond our own lives.

One of the blessings of service that we often overlook is that we grow in our understanding of God's love. As we take on the tasks of serving others, as Christ did, we begin to understand the ways God has dealt with his people. We learn of his character as we imitate him by serving others.