Thoughts on Service

I've had a couple experiences lately that have caused me to reflect on service: the role it plays in our lives, the blessings that come from it, and the ways Satan tries to get us to stop serving.

The first experience I had was as I was driving to my cousin's house to babysit her kiddos.  I was originally supposed to babysit the kids so that she and her husband could go to a ward activity.  I texted her that morning to confirm our plans, but they had found out that the activity was cancelled.  I told her if she and her husband still wanted to go on a date, I would be glad to still watch her kids.  She agreed that this would be appreciated.  So, I went to work, and then made my way to her house after I got done.  I don't remember why, but I had had a annoying/difficult day at work, and I was not in the best of moods.  As I was driving I thought of all the things that I had to get done at home (meaning dishes, laundry, etc.)  Now, if any of you know me very well, most days I would GLADLY take babysitting over household chores :)  But I continued on to her house, telling myself I knew how much it meant to my cousin.  As soon as I got there my entire attitude changed.  I suddenly forgot all the chores I had waiting for me at home, and felt uplifted and happy.  I even watched General Conference after the kiddos went to bed (not something unusual when I'm by myself, but difficult for anyone to do when you're annoyed/frustrated.)

The second experience happened just today.  There is a lady in our ward who is quite a bit older, and had very intrusive surgery about a month and a half ago.  She's finally out of the hospital, and the relief society in our ward has set up people to meet with her at 10am, 12pm, and 5pm every day.  I signed up for 10am this morning.  I woke up wishing I could go back to sleep..."Realistically," I thought to myself, "no one will know that I didn't go...she wouldn't know it was supposed to be me.  I really don't even know her, let alone know her well."  Bad me, right?  But I got up, put my uniform on (I went to work right after), and drove over to her house.  I was really nervous...I didn't know her, she's quite a bit older than me (I believe she's Neal's grandma's age...so...80's), and what I was honestly most worried about: I was the very first one to see her this morning, and I was very nervous that something had happened to her during the night.  So, I swallowed, walked up to her front door, knocked, and went in.  She was fine.  It was a wonderful experience to sit and talk with her.  I was only supposed to stay for 15 minutes, but I ended up being there for about 45 minutes.  It was inspiring to see and feel of her "vigor and vim."  I truly enjoyed my time with her, and our visit set a very positive experience for my day.

Why am I bringing this up?  Well, because as I've reflected on these two experiences, I've realized a few things.  The first and foremost is that service needs to be an essential part of our lives.  Focusing on someone else for even just a little while somehow lifts you and strengthens you, just as the prophets and Savior promised it would.  Second, service gives us an opportunity to practice charity - loving someone no matter who they are or what their struggles in life are or what decisions they have made.  It allows us to become more like our Savior, which should truly be the desire of our hearts, and the goal of our lives.  Third, Satan uses feelings, "things," fears, and experiences (aka distractions) to prevent us from doing acts of service.  Being nervous, unsure, worried, busy, and frustrated, among other "things" prevent us from doing the acts of service that bring blessings of happiness into our lives, as well as opportunities to uphold our baptismal covenants, and most importantly, become more like our Savior.

Just some thoughts :)