“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:10-11. . . Today Steinhardt (Dance Ed.) had an orientation day for newcomers, and I had the joy and privilege of greeting new students in my program, answering their questions, and giving them a little taste + tour of what this upcoming year at NYU will look like. Although it was such a short amount of time, it felt so filling just to engage with them in conversation and share my love and knowledge of NYU and the rest of the city. As I walked away with a bright smile and a full heart, I reflected on what a blessing and GIFT it is to serve. When I was a freshman at NYU, it was so encouraging to receive such love and care from upperclassmen, but I had no idea that being the one who can eagerly offer her gifts/services to others would give me far greater joy than I have ever felt as a mere recipient. . . Sometimes, I think it’s easy to get caught up in what we’re currently “accomplishing” for ourselves—what things we’ve checked off our “list” for that day. But what if we considered it a greater priority and “success” to share our gifts, services, and time with *others* rather than keeping to ourselves? It may take us 5, 10, 15 years to reach our individualistic goals and “achievements” in life, but to impact a life takes but a moment of your time today. . . Prayer Challenge: There will always be times when we ARE called to invest in ourselves and our passions/disciplines…but let us not forget how “much more blessed [it is] to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Lord Jesus, the King who did not come to be served, but to serve (Matthew 20:28), teach us to be like You: generous, patient, and other-centered in the way we live, love, and serve. Amen. . . #prayerjourney #day25 #serve #moreblessedtogive #shareyourgifts #nyudanceed #steinhardt #2017 (at East Village, Manhattan)