"The best ability is availability." - John Wooden (Renowned American college basketball coach [1948-1978 UCLA]). Have you ever experienced exceptional service at a restaurant? My wife and I recently visited one of our favorite spots, Old Chicago, where the food was as delicious as ever, and the service truly stood out. Our waitress was remarkably knowledgeable about the menu, oozed a positive attitude throughout our meal, and was consistently available whenever we needed her. This experience enhanced an already fantastic day spent with loved ones and prompted us to reflect on the significance of being available to others, a value deeply ingrained in Christian teachings where Christian Character Counts.
The outstanding service we encountered at Old Chicago was a direct outcome of our waitress possessing various exceptional traits. Among them, her availability gleamed the brightest. Availability entails being present, prepared, and willing to serve others—a principle emphasized by Jesus in Matthew 20:26 when he said, "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant (NIV)." While I cannot confirm whether our waitress was a Christian, her embodiment of the availability trait was unmistakable.
Delving into the concept of availability unveils key facets that contribute to its depth. First and foremost, being present serves as the foundation of availability. To be present means forging a connection devoid of bias, understanding others' emotions, avoiding dismissiveness, and empathizing genuinely. It also requires offering warmth and responding adeptly to varying situations while extending assistance and support whenever necessary. Another crucial element is proactive preparedness. Whether it involves gearing up for a presentation, handling an unforeseen emergency, or managing daily tasks, preparedness empowers individuals to navigate situations competently and efficiently. Lastly, an essential aspect of availability is a genuine willingness to serve others. This translates to remaining open and ready to provide help, invest time, offer resources, or share skills to meet the needs of those around us.
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For followers of Jesus, availability goes beyond mere practice—it becomes a way of life. It signifies acknowledging the prevalent needs in our surroundings, prioritizing them, and addressing them with utmost care and attention. Jesus himself epitomized availability, living among people in need and tirelessly aiding them. This trait is what indeed magnifies a servant of God, in alignment with the biblical instruction, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16, KJV).
It is important for us to acknowledge that availability is not just a box to tick off on a to-do list. Rather, it is a way of living. By fully embracing availability - by being present, ready, and enthusiastic to serve - we can radiate light and positivity into even the darkest corners of our world. In doing so, we can inspire others to adopt the same mindset and approach, ultimately honoring Christ and bringing glory to our heavenly Father. Through this, we can also help to propel His Spirit forward throughout all ages, where Christian Character Counts.
With a servant's heart,