Serving Through Sourdough
In Matthew 20:28, Jesus says, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Jesus’ life of service is the ultimate model for how we are to live, and though we may not be able to serve in grand or extravagant ways in every season, the expectation remains the same: we are called to serve.
For me, baking sourdough has become a way to serve and bless others in a season of life that feels anything but calm. Motherhood, especially in its busiest seasons, can often leave us feeling overwhelmed, stretched thin, and unsure of how to serve others. When days are filled with endless tasks—diapers, dishes, laundry, and the demands of our children—it can feel impossible to carve out time or energy for anything beyond our immediate needs. Yet, even in these moments, there are meaningful ways to bless and serve those around us.
When my twins were just 8 months old, and my older two boys were 3 and 5, life was chaotic. There was no time to volunteer for big events or organize complex outreach projects. But through the simple process of making sourdough, I found a way to serve and bless others without it feeling overwhelming. I began baking extra loaves and sharing them with friends, family, and neighbors. It became a small but meaningful way to show love.
The ingredients are simple—flour, water, and salt—and yet, bread is a staple in most of our homes. It’s nourishing, humble, and deeply symbolic in many cultures, representing sustenance and community. What better way to serve others than with something as simple as a loaf of bread?
Baking sourdough required little time and minimal effort, yet it provided something valuable: food, care, and a tangible reminder that we are thinking of others. And it wasn’t just about the bread itself. It was about the act of giving, the thoughtfulness behind it, and the opportunity to bless others in the midst of my own busy life.
Sourdough is a good reminder that we don’t need to wait for the “perfect” moment or the ideal circumstances to serve. The seasons of life will change—sometimes we’ll have more time, sometimes less—but we are always called to give what we can, where we are. In motherhood, or any other season of life, the act of service can be as simple as sharing a loaf of bread or offering a meal. It may seem small, but it carries immense value and purpose.
In a world that often glorifies big acts of service, sourdough reminds us that it’s the simple, quiet ways of giving that can have the most profound impact. So, the next time you feel like you’re too overwhelmed to serve, consider the humble loaf of bread—and remember that God can use even the smallest acts of kindness to bless those around us.