Our mom had the seven of us in 10 years, and as adults, we fondly joked about how busy she must have been. She changed 10,000 diapers, did 25,000 loads of laundry, and washed 1.5 million dishes. No task was too small. Even into high school, she made our lunches and drew little smiley faces on our brown paper bags (though I expertly crumpled the bag so her artwork would remain unseen by my male lunchmates). Our mom was a servant-like figure, a way to express her love.

Jesus is often described as a servant, someone who did his Father’s will. Nothing stopped him from healing and teaching, even as the authorities plotted against him and targeted him for execution. His redemptive ministry was meant for all, not just Jews. He understood how hard it can be to live for others and to love others. We are smoldering wicks and bruised reeds, weak and vulnerable, prone to putting our needs first and worried about our own status and well-being.

I found it easy to accept my mom’s love, her kindness, and her generosity! However, it is often a challenge for me to be Christ-like, not to be overly concerned about paying bills, being well-liked, admired, and respected, and proving my own worth. I seem to veer from pole to pole—one day consumed with pride and self-advancement, and the next inching forward, closer to Christ and my true identity as a child of God.

Jesus knew when to withdraw, when to pray (without ceasing!), and when to teach and heal. Through grace and boosted by the love and support of others, I pray to do God’s will and accept the crosses in my life, secure in knowing God’s infinite love for me.