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As we pulled into our driveway on our return from church, the numerous cars in our neighbor’s driveway told me that this Mother’s Day was not a celebratory occasion.

“Bob has died,” I said to my husband.

Bob had suffered for some time from cancer, and I had spoken with his wife, Shirley, on several occasions. Before entering my house, I had visited her briefly, offering any possible help. Later, as I wandered through our spacious yard filled with multiple flower beds, Shirley walked toward our fence.

“There is something I would like you to do,” she said.

“Of course. What is it?”

“Bob will be cremated, and we plan a private memorial service. He wasn’t much on making a fuss about funerals or spending a lot of money.” Looking directly into my eyes, she asked, “Will you make an arrangement of roses for Bob’s memorial service?”

I often send bouquets to friends and neighbors. My husband and I share plants and flowers with others as a type of ministry and labor of love. Although I had no formal training in floral design, many expressed to me that my arrangements surpassed those of many florists.

Without hesitation, I agreed. I felt humbled as I cut beautiful long-stemmed red roses and placed them into a container. Then I thought of the verse about being rewarded for giving even a cup of cold water. I sought no reward from the joy of doing an easy task I loved. God had privileged me to serve in a simple way. What greater reward could I possibly want?

Each of us has gifts for service. The ministries we provide don’t have to be extraordinary, whether a cup of cold water or a bouquet of flowers. God wants us to use our simple gifts to help us minister to others. What can you do?