Why Can't Service Be More Fun?

I struggle with this one. I talk a lot about service, about world-class customer service, about some ways to provide this often elusive commodity, about being a servant leader.

You'd think it would be something ingrained in my life. Hmmmm.

The thing is, if we truly believe service and being a service-minded individual is of great importance, how come it is sometimes so hard to provide? How come I dislike doing it...not always, but definitely part of the time?

I think my problem may be that I have decided to be a judge. I sometimes seem to decide who deserves great service from me and who doesn't...who's "earned" it and who hasn't. Of course, some service is provided as a part of my job, but during those times am I really being service-minded or just going through the motions because it's a requirement?

Whew. I know all the right words to say and all the right things to do, but sometimes I've made service all about me and what I feel like and what I want to do. Sometimes I relegate service to others as just another "function" I complete and there's either no thought or, even worse, negative thought attached.

Providing outstanding service to my fellow human beings can't just be based on what's fun or what I feel like at the moment or if I think someone is worthy or not. Can it?

Being "service-minded" should mean that I have service in mind when I carry on my activities. So here's my question: Is it OK to provide service for others when I don't think they deserve it, when I don't feel like doing it, or when it's not fun....or even when I don't perceive any personal gain for me?

It seems that providing the best service possible is good to do when I'm not in the right frame of mind, but it's much more desirable and frankly much easier to do (with a much more positive result) when my heart is in it.

I guess "service as a way of life" must mean that it's so ingrained in a person that they just provide great service for others whether thought is involved or not. Still, if I act with a service-minded spirit, it's got to be a better experience for the person receiving my service and for me.

Definitely a struggle. I need to think more about this, but not get in the way of doing the right thing while I'm still trying to figure it out.