"Serving others" is a concept that is prominent this time of year. In the chaos of the consumer-driven holidays we are implored to think of others. That idea is often marketed as the "true spirit of Christmas."

Until recently I often viewed service in this way. Hold a door here, give up a parking spot there, and you are really making a difference in someone's life. But how do we know? And what is the point of service anyway?

I finally had a run-in with what service really looks like. In December my wife had wrist surgery, a relatively simple procedure to remove a 14-year old cyst. We were at the hospital less than four hours and were home before lunch time.