Just the week before last, my family did a service week. Most of us all read the book that I have mentioned before, "The Message" and were all deeply touched and inspired by it and especially the part where he talked about doing a 'service vacation'. Well we all couldn't go anywhere, so we decided on having each family do their own service thing each day of the week and then on the following Saturday the whole family got together for a big combined service project. It was a great week, I was excited. It helped me to focus on serving each day. Most of them were simple things, but most of the time that's all it takes is a simple act of kindness. For the big project, we all went to a city building who needed help with the yard. 3 hours we all worked hard, weeding, digging, chopping, shoveling, sweeping, and laying mulch. After, we met at one's house for a big lunch feast. We were all exhausted, tired and hungry and also felt invigorated and so good for helping out. I believe it was a great experience and I want to make it a recurring tradition.
A few things that stood out to me in the book about service were:
"When you truly love someone, you seek to serve them. If the people of this nation would go out and begin serving-first the members of their families more fully, then their neighbors and community, and then extended family (rest of the world)- it would do more good than any other thing that could be done."
"As we serve our spouses and children, we will love them more, and we will become closer. Our very hearts will be changed. If we will serve our neighbors and communities, we will break down the barriers which divide us and cause a peace and love to permeate our cities. And if we will serve our brothers and sisters of this nation, we can cause a day of Zion, a day of complete peace, to come. Such a day this world has never seen. This love will become contagious."
"I recognized that this message can indeed be a poignant reminder to others of the surety of the prophecies which have been given concerning our day, and the need to strengthen ourselves and our families for that which certainly must be. Also it can be a reminder of the incredible power of service and its ability to transform us as a people. Service is the answer to reclaiming our society and changing the hearts of us, as a people."
"The word Service has lost its impact and meaning, and importance. It has become a word that it almost trite. After all, everyone knows that service helps people. Everyone knows that service is good. It is such an old idea that no one takes it very seriously anymore. But it is a principle of truth which has existed forever."
"With service, unity replaces selfishness as each person becomes deeply committed to the good of the whole rather than their own self interests."
"If you love one another, Serve one another."
I can completely agree that service isn't really taken seriously. Sadly, I feel I've been just an example.
It was very touching to read about their 'Service Vacation' they went on and doing simple, yet powerful acts of service. Most of the family started out thinking it was stupid, including the teenagers (shocker), but after a while it was contagious and they were the ones who ended up handing out most of the "caring coupons" to people.
We don't have to go out and travel to do something similar though, we can have that same impact right here in our very homes and communities. We did and I'm very grateful for that experience.
Though I know my service shouldn't stop there at that opportunity. I know Mikkie, I've just felt like the more service I do the more I will be able to feel your sweet spirit. Service shouldn't be just a thing we do whenever it's convenient, we should be using every day to serve with all our heart, might, mind and strength. I know that as I strive to always serve others, I will be more able to truly feel Christlike love for others....and myself.
I pray that we may all be blessed to see every opportunity to serve, no matter how big or small, and act upon it.
I love you with all my heart sweet girl. Two more days...... be with us, baby girl.
Love always,
Mama
2 comments:
Laura such a wonderful idea!! That is truly awesome that so many of your family member joined in also! That is so awesome! You were the first person I recommended this book to! I remember feeling SO prompted to do so almost like I was being pushed! :) I was scared to call you but you excepted my feelings with an open heart and I loved that about you! So glad I listened to the promptings that I am sure your little Mikki was pushing me to do!! I will be thinking of you and your family as the anniversary is coming up tomorrow. I will keep you in my prayers and hope you will feel the comfort of Mikki that is always around you, especially on this day!
Adrienne, you are an amazing friend! I'm so glad you told me about the book! I know it's scary to bring up stuff to people sometimes, and especially me, I'm pretty scary looking ;) lol but thanks for having the courage to do so! I'm grateful for our friendship!
Post a Comment