Service

We have a ward activity tomorrow focused around service. The concept was to get out into the neighborhood as families and serve one another in the warm Spring temperatures. It is a simple concept. One that shouldn't include much drama. I found it interesting to learn that there are many different views regarding service. There are those that are eager to serve and those that are eager to be served. There are those that are embarrassed to be served and those that may be too anxious to be served. Those who are offended to be served and those who are worried to offend. There are those who want to serve and those who serve out of duty. There are those who deny service and those who beg for it. There are those who seek ways to serve and those who serve when asked. There are those who do so quietly and those who serve loudly for all to see. Then of course there is Mother Nature who seems to be altogether opposed to our serving eachother tomorrow and thus has dumped snow upon us with one day left until May!

Elder Eyring recently said in the last conference, "He (God) has from the beginning of time provided ways for His disciples to help. He has invited His children to consecrate their time, their means, and themselves to join with Him in serving others." This was a wonderful talk on service and can be read here. I cannot judge or pass judgment on those who are feeling these different feelings regarding service, for at one time or another, I have surely felt the same way. However, I am certain that there are only two ways we should feel regarding service. Blessed to receive it and blessed to give it. We should welcome those that wish to serve us and realize that their service represents love as it is intended and that they, along with myself, will be blessed for doing so. We should seek ways to serve others...everyone. Of course we have a responsibility to serve those who truly need it, but what a blessing it is in our lives and the lives of anyone we serve to show that love by way of service. I for one will be blessed to serve and blessed to be served.

Should I Stay or Should I Go Now?!

About twice a week, on my way to work, I pass an older woman (late 50's to early 60's) walking down the long frontage road with over-sized rolling briefcase on wheels in tote. She is typically dressed nicely and I can only suppose that she is on her way to work. This morning, it was about 37 degrees and raining a mix of rain and snow. It was a mess. Again I saw her and thought to myself, "She must be cold and totally wet. How will she be able to endure the day at work? By the time she gets there, she will be soaked all the way through and surely will get sick." She did have a jacket on, but her dress was drenched and her hair was completely wet with frozen sleet upon it. Then the dilemma set in. "Should I stop or should I keep going?" Where she was when I saw her this morning was far from the nearest spot I could stop due to construction. Nonetheless, I wanted to stop. My next thought was concerning whether or not she could even get into my newly lifted Jeep in her clothes and condition. Of course, ultimately, I was concerned for what she might think as a stranger pulled over and coaxed her to get into his car and I chose not to stop. I think next time I will. The worst that could happen is she could say no and assume I was a creep. Anyway, what would you do? Please vote in the poll to the right and let me know what you would have done this morning if you were in my situation with all things considered.