Serving from the heart

Why do we serve? People in this world usually serve others for one of three reasons, obligation, reward, or serving from ones heart. Through my experience I feel that out of these three reasons the best way to serve others is when you unselfishly serve from your heart.
Obligation, one time I received a phone call from a young mom asking if I could come watch her kids. Since she had asked me before and I declined the request, I felt as if I needed to tell her yes.  During the week a friend approached me asking if I would like to come over to watch a movie with a couple of other girls. Totally forgetting I had already agreed to the babysitting job I told my friend that I would definitely be able to make it. When I returned home from school I went up to my mom and asked her about going to my friends house to watch a movie. She replied that she was sorry, but reminded me that I already had made plans for babysitting. Boy, was I mad! I told her that I would call the mother up and tell her that something came up and that I could not watch her children. Then my mom gave me "that look" that makes you feel so guilty, so out of obligation I went. I was glad I was able to help. I know I did the right thing. The young mother and her husband were grateful for a much needed date night.
Receiving a reward, I fall under this category a lot more than I should, because who doesn't like rewards. Chores... every day my mom gives me a list of chores to do around the house, and if I fulfill them then I sometimes receive money for those chores, and I am also able to have free time to do fun things with friends. Sometimes when my mom or dad will me ask me to do something for them that may be inconvenient or difficult, they will reward me by offering to take me to go get Jamba Juice or to go shopping. Although, I am willing to help my parents, I should do it because I want to help them and not for a reward. They do so much for me.
Serving from the heart, the 20% project and other service projects that I have done in the past where I have put the needs of others before mine because I want to and not because I have to or receiving something in return has always been the most rewarding. Seeing people happy makes me happy. I find myself wanting to help others more with out any selfish gain. Today my mother sent me a picture of a student wearing one of the T shirts we provided. Seeing that picture showed me that they had a great need for the clothes and made me want to be able to continue this project next year. Serving others in this way helps me grow and makes me want to be a more caring person.