Serving Well, Ending Well
A Meditation by Rev. Cameron Trimble
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:23)
• • •
Yesterday, I had the privilege of attending the retirement ceremony of my dear friend, NYPD Police Chief Terri Tobin. For 41 years, she served the people of New York City with courage, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to justice. Terri is not only a 9/11 hero but also someone who took on the most complex challenges of her city—mental health crises, refugee resettlement, homelessness—with a grace that reflected her deep faith. Before her career as a police officer, she served as a Catholic nun, and that grounding in faith shaped every aspect of her life and work. As one speaker noted, she followed the teachings of St. Francis of Assisi who is attributed to have said, “Preach the gospel at all times and if necessary use words.”
As I watched her walk out of 1 Police Plaza in Manhattan for the last time, flanked by fellow officers saluting her, I couldn’t help but hear the words of scripture in my head: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Those words remind us that our work is about more than what we accomplish—it’s about how we show up for others. Terri’s career wasn’t just marked by heroic acts but by daily acts of kindness, patience, and care. Her legacy isn’t only in policies or programs but in the lives she touched and the grace she extended to those who needed it most.
What does it mean to serve well and to end well? It means embracing our work—not as a means to an end but as a way to love and care for others. It means showing up with integrity, even when the work is hard or thankless. And when the time comes to step away, it means leaving a legacy of compassion and faithfulness that inspires others to continue the work.
As we reflect on our own lives, we might ask ourselves: How are we serving in the roles and spaces we’ve been called to? Are we approaching our work with compassion and purpose? Are we building something that will outlast us, something rooted in love and justice? The invitation to serve well is also an invitation to reflect on the kind of legacy we want to leave behind—not in achievements alone, but in the way we’ve embodied grace and care for others.
Terri’s story reminds me that life’s most meaningful work is often found in the quiet moments of service. It’s in the conversations we have, the burdens we help carry, the dignity we extend to others. Her life is a testimony to the power of showing up with compassion, even in the hardest of circumstances. May we all aspire to serve as she does, with courage and faith, and may we all one day hear those words: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
We are in this together,
Cameron
Reflection Questions
What does it mean for you to serve well in your current season of life?
How might you approach your work—whether in your career, family, or community—with greater compassion and purpose?
What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind?
A Prayer for the Day
A Prayer for Faithful Service
God of Grace,
You call us to lives of service and love,
To care for the vulnerable, to lift up the weary,
And to embody Your compassion in all we do.
Teach us to serve well,
To embrace our work as an offering of love,
And to show up with courage, even when the path is hard.
May our lives be a reflection of Your faithfulness,
And may we one day hear the words,
“Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Amen.
Spiritual Practice
Reflecting on Your Legacy
Take time to reflect on what it means to serve well in your own life. Begin by pausing to consider the roles you currently hold—whether in your work, family, or community. Ask yourself how you can approach these roles with greater compassion and grace. What opportunities are present for you to make a difference, even in small ways?
Next, choose one specific act of kindness to extend to someone in your life. It could be offering a kind word, a thoughtful gesture, or simply making time to be present for someone who needs support. Let this act remind you that faithful service is often found in the quiet, everyday moments where love is shared.
Finally, take some time to imagine the legacy you want to leave behind. Reflect on the values or principles that guide your life, and consider how you can live them out more intentionally. Whether it’s integrity, compassion, or courage, think about how these qualities can shape the way you serve and the impact you leave for others. Let this reflection ground you in the understanding that every small act of care contributes to a greater legacy of love and faithfulness.
Upcoming Events That Might Be of Interest…
January 9, 2025, 12pm ET - What Does the TikTok Ban Mean for Churches, Faith Leaders, and Digital Ministry? Register here.
January 12, 2025, 3-4:30pm ET - Join me for a FREE conversation on “Progressive Islam – Universal Values vs. the Politics of Human Rights – What’s the Difference Between a Progressive Muslim and Other Muslims?” with Ani Zonneveld. Register here.
February 6, 7-8pm ET - Join my conversation “Mindful Healing: Tools For Inner Balance and Wellbeing” with Rev. Dr. Isa Gucciardi. Register here.
February 11, 2025 - Diana Butler Bass and I will be geeking out together in an online event about the state of the world (post-inauguration). We are still putting the details together. For now, mark your calendars.
July 20-25, 2025 - The Art of Wilding: A 5-Day Expedition in Wyoming for Women Leaders. Click here to learn more.
August 11, 2025, 2pm ET - Dr. Andrew Root and I will be hosting a 6 part series on Spirituality in the Secular Age based on his research. The dates are August 11, 18, September 8, 15, and October 6, 13. Mark your calendars! More on this soon.
October 15-18, 2025 - Converging 2025: Sing Truth Conference (all musicians invited!) at Northwest Christian Church in Columbus, OH. Mark your calendars for now. More info is coming.
Recently, I drafted a Strategic Framework for Congregations as we move into the coming years of increased authoritarianism around the world. If interested, you can download it here.