The Value of Service

We had a lovely brunch at church following Mass this morning. Some gave short talks highlighting the various ways members of the congregation can help the Parish - Altar Guild, Flower Guild, service at the altar, cleaning, cooking - you name it.

I know it is popular, and sometimes even mandated, for students to get involved in "community service". For church-going kids, however, it seems as natural as breathing. Our girls have watched us model the concept - service to others, without expectation of reward, or even acknowledgment. They now exhibit the same "servants heart" in service to the church; they help cook and set tables, they help Mom clean, our oldest is very good at helping the altar guild (she even corrects her Mom), and they help Dad weed and trim bushes - they even took charge of some planters and filled them with a beautiful assortment of annuals.

In my mind, this is where the public schools miss the boat. Service given for a grade or as a requirement for graduation is not really voluntary service. Yes, the community gains, and the students perhaps learn something (although, they may learn the wrong lesson entirely), but they miss the larger lesson. They miss out on the joy of selfless service. They miss out on the idea that there is something (or some things) more important than their immediate desires. They miss out on the idea of duty.

Once learned, these basic values will serve them well in life. Our girls receive real pleasure in helping others, in giving of themselves - not just at church, but at home and elsewhere. Yes, there are times they would rather be out playing with their friends. And yes, we often allow them to do so - we are not slave masters. But when one asks, "Dad, wouldn't you rather stay home?" as I head out the door, I can honestly answer "Yes, but I have committed to (whatever), so I need to go." And that lesson is important for them to learn. As adults, we model those behaviors that our children will model for their children.