Service

How does service also cleanse the soul of both the giver and the receiver?When someone serves another person, she helps them, on the surface.  She offers a piece of her own self, a piece of her time, her substance, her love.  She is willing to give up what she might otherwise have chosen, in the name of helping someone else.

When we give of ourselves, we can feel just a tiny bit how Jesus felt as he served everyone with whom he came in contact.  He gave them a little piece of his goodness, a small sample of virtue.  This builds feelings of goodwill, of self worth, and lifts the spirit of the receiver.

Somehow, it also lifts the spirits of the giver.  By serving our neighbor, we share with them the attitude of sharing and gratitude.  We allude to the thought that we think they are worth our time and our efforts.  We honor them, and in that act we also honor our Savior.

At baptism, we all take upon ourselves the name of Christ.  This means we are willing to stand up for good things, and not sit still when injustice occurs.

How is service, to or from others, blessing your life right now?
I was able to talk to the lady from the Salvation Army, about help they might need in the future.  She outlined some of their needs, and I was able to pass those along to Frank.  He told a scout about that need, and it may be able to work as an Eagle Project.

My neighbors share in the carpool responsibilities as we transport children to and from school activities every week.  This lightens my responsibility load considerably.

My visiting teachers, Becky Cyr and Mischell Shapiro, are dedicated to...me!  They check up on me, and bring me inspirational messages.  Last month they helped wrap empty boxes to be used in the Ward Christmas party.  They helped me with one of my responsibilities.  They lifted my "burden."

Their service helped me feel "light."  I think this is the strength the Savior wishes for us to have.  We grow stronger when we try to live like Jesus Christ.