"Therefore let your light so shine before this people, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven (3 Nephi 12:16)."
We have been counseled often to use our time and talents to help others and to help build the kingdom through righteous service. Since our family is in a small ward; we have many opportunities to serve and have more than one calling. I have found joy in my callings that I currently hold and I love those that I serve.
Service is a fundamental principle of the Gospel. Jesus Christ's life was a life of service. He would remind others that he was here to serve and to bless the lives of others. As members of the chuch we are reminded that we should act as Christ did; offering ourselves as servants of the Lord to bless the lives of those we come in contact with. We become disciples of Christ when we truly exemplify his life.
One of the pitfalls latter-day saints must overcome is the compulsion to itemize the things we do for others; forgetting the purpose of our service. We become proud of our deeds; collecting hash marks in the column "Good Works" - hoping that they will out way the hash marks in the column "Unrighteous Deeds". Instead of cataloguing the things we do; maybe we should take the time to recognize what others do.
Others often give service that we may not notice, such as preparing meals, reading to or listening to younger children, repairing clothing, or helping a brother or sister. What if for the next two weeks we recorded in our journals the quiet acts of service that our family members and others perform? Then take the time to acknowledge their service in some meaningful way. Sending a thank you note; leaving a plate of cookies; bringing a vase full of flowers, etc.
When David and Debbie were living in Oxnard, David would say: "You're doing a good job." Most of the time he was just being silly. I have thought about those words and how important it us for us to say it. I have made a conscious effort to say:
"Did I tell that I really appreciate you?"
"You're doing a good job."
or just simply
"Thank you."
1 comment:
I try to remember to say thank you. It means a lot to me when people say it to me, so I try and do the same. Everyone likes to know that their efforts are noticed, appreciated, and needed.
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