Service

For the past few weeks the message of service seems to be all around me. I feel like I'm starting to get it but I still stink at it. It's never been my strong point. A-matter-of-fact, I'm not a very compassionate person, period.
I try to give compliments regularly to people. I think about all kinds of things to do for others. But little ever comes of it. I keep telling myself, "It's the thought that counts, right?" Maybe that's the devil on my shoulder, because the very next thought that comes to me is, "Actions speak louder than words."
Sheesh, life can be tough on a person.
This past Sunday, Brother Cruze gave a talk based on Jeffrey R. Holland's talk. It guess it was based on gratitude but you find quickly service and gratitude almost go hand in hand. At least, that was what I felt. It also helped me realize that even though I'm terrible at serving others I'm not very good at accepting service either. I try to be independent and say that's not the church's responsibility or that person's job. It came to me that some people enjoy helping others, SERVING them. They get it. Sometimes saying, "no thanks" is taking away a piece of them.
The week before a sister also spoke on service. She talked how it's an addiction for her and it helps her in her everyday life. It helps fulfill her. She's also pregnant with her 7th child and due the same time as me. Well, she showed up at my house the other day to help clean when she found out I was already dilated and my cervix was softened. I'm thinking what's wrong with this picture!? I wanted to send her home. It seemed ridiculous. But I felt I shouldn't deny her the opportunity to do something that she loved, was of good, and helped her not just me. In the end it was wonderful. I didn't let her clean my whole house as she attempted but her boys played with Hyrum, who LOVED the company, and it gave me some company too. Because of her simple service I was grateful.
I also taught a lesson this past Sunday that touched base on service and how it helps us feel the Lord daily in our lives. That's what I need and probably what I've been missing. I try to do the everyday mechanical things but service is where I lack. I take my visiting teaching seriously and as a mother, in some ways, I automatically serve. I know I need to do more. Step out of my comfort zone. I'm going to try to do better this year. I don't know how to measure such a thing. Maybe it will just be something that I will feel within myself but hopefully will be felt by others around me.
I too often have been blessed by those who serve me. It's time that I do something back. Sincerely.