“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:5-8, ESV).

I had breakfast today with two wonderful Christian physicians I had not seen in a few years. One of them described a life experience that was particularly compelling. His recent past work had been terminated administratively, but that closure came with wonderful timing. “My 92-year-old father was struggling near the end of his life. We could have obtained adequate home health for him, but I told my mother, ‘My dad deserves a doctor who loves him to help him with his needs. I want to be the one at his bedside, the one who washes him and changes his bedpan.’ I was able to do that, and it was a tremendous blessing in my life.”

Two beautiful principles hit me solidly with my friend’s story: family and servanthood.

Family taking care of family is one of God’s most noble plans for humankind. My friend is a great example of this. An even more beautiful example is the moment on the cross where Jesus looked at His mother and His disciple, John. Even within His agony, Jesus knew His mother needed care.

“When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, ‘Woman, here is your son,’ and to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ From that time on, this disciple took her into his home” (John19:26-27, NIV).

My friend’s story paints a picture of family, and it also paints a beautiful portrait of servanthood. Many of the tasks my friend completed for his father during his last days were unpleasant and even undignified for a physician to perform. Nevertheless, he saw those tasks as blessings because he did them for one he loved. He was not demeaned by the tasks, he was nourished by them, knowing whom he was serving. Servanthood should always be part of family, and it should just as importantly be a part of my care for every patient, friend and stranger whom God places in my path.

What a wonderful example to follow with two beautiful lessons for me. Thank you, friend.

Dear God,

Give me a servant heart that moves me to action for my family and for all those you love.

Amen