We Forgot Why We’re Here

We were put on this planet to serve.

There’s a quiet ache that seems to linger in so many hearts today, a low hum of confusion, anxiety, and disconnection. People feel lost, unanchored. We search for meaning in productivity, in applause, in self-expression. And still, something is missing.

It’s not because we need more information. It’s not because we lack opportunities.

It’s because we’ve forgotten something fundamental:
We were put on this planet to serve.

Not in a passive, obligatory way. Not to be doormats or to serve out of guilt. But to intentionally look around, see a need, and meet it—because people matter. Because you matter. And because service, when done right, doesn’t diminish you. It fulfills you.

A Missed Moment

I was at a community BBQ recently, where people gathered, laughed, and filled their plates at various food tents. One station let you build your own burger with toppings of your choice.

I watched a young couple step up. The man, burger on plate, grabbed the tongs to add his onions, pickles, and tomatoes. His wife stood right behind him, plate in hand, waiting her turn.

He looked back at her for a moment. Then awkwardly put the tongs down so she could serve herself.

That tiny moment told a big story.

It would have taken him five seconds to say, “Hey, what toppings do you want?” He already had the tongs in hand. He was already in position. It would’ve been thoughtful. Efficient. Loving.

Instead, she had to step in and start from scratch. Not a crisis, but definitely a missed opportunity to serve.

Another Missed Opportunity

Later, at one of the picnic tables, a man finished eating and stood up to toss his paper plate. Around him were three or four other empty plates from the people he had just eaten with.

He threw his away. Walked back. Sat down.

Not a thought to gather the rest. No malice, no rudeness, just obliviousness. A moment where self-awareness could have turned into service, and made everyone else feel seen, helped, cared for.

These aren’t grand gestures. They’re small acts with big meaning.

A New Default

What would happen if we rewired our reflexes?

What if our default became:
“Can I make this easier for you?”
“What can I take off your plate—literally or figuratively?”
“How can I help, even in the smallest way?”

Whether it’s handing someone a napkin before they ask for it, staying five seconds longer to stack chairs, or pausing long enough to ask, “What do you need?”—these moments matter.

They don’t just make us more likable.
They make us more human.

And ironically, they give us the purpose we’re so desperately chasing. Serving isn’t beneath us. It’s why we’re here.

Whether for profit or not, whether you’re in customer service or simply standing in line at a food truck—every day presents a hundred invisible ways to show others they’re not alone in this world.

And when we all choose to live with that kind of intention?

We won’t just run better businesses.
We’ll build better communities.

It’s not hard.
It just takes awareness.

So this week, be the one with the tongs in hand—who turns around and says,
“What would you like on yours?”

Because great service doesn’t happen by accident.
It happens on purpose.

Laura Martin

Laura Martin is a personal Life Coach and founded I am Blessed to be a Blessing in 2011 after needing a life coach and realizing the difficulty in finding a nurturing yet disciplined coach for herself. Overcoming life’s challenges is not extraordinary but overcoming them with grace and a passion to use those tests as testimony to help others is what makes her a successful life coach. Her tests have only magnified her faith and desire to serve people. She says, “I wouldn’t change my life if I could. I appreciate the lessons that life has taught me, but there are some experiences (most of the self-inflicted ones) that I may not have spent as much time on. I would have learned my lesson when God was throwing stones at me instead of waiting for Him to throw bricks". After her negative coaching experience, she turned that failure into a success when she began formal coaching training with The Robbins Madanes Institute and is currently completing her PCC (Professional Certified Coach) credentials with PCCI, Professional Christian Coaching Institute. She has an inconspicuous way of guiding people to discover their God given abilities and purpose. She collectively develops action plans (Excitation Plans) but adds accountability to help you move from where you are to where God intends you to be. Laura has resided in Los Angeles and San Antonio, Texas and is currently enjoying the bike trails and mountain views in Colorado Springs with her love Eric, incredible son Rylan and dogs.

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AI Might Be the Future, But Authentic Service Will Always Be in Demand