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Welcome to Service Thursday
Do you want to feel good today? I don't mean, "I got my espresso and cinabun so it's gonna be a productive day" good. I'm talking about the kind of feeling that makes you feel as though you've made a difference. The kind of inner-peace that comes from knowing you have a real honest-to-goodness purpose in life.
I'm talking about the feeling that comes from serving someone else.
Today, September 18, 2008, marks the first Service Thursday.
It's a pretty simple concept, really - a "bite sized" idea if you will.
All I'm asking you to do is find one person, family or organization and do something nice for them today.
You can smile at someone who you can tell has just had it with life. You can be their shoulder to cry on; their sounding board.
You don't have to solve their problems (though you know you would if you could). Sometimes it just helps to have someone hear you out.
Be that person.
Or, you can stop and ask a "street person" if they would like lunch. You don't have to spend a lot of money, maybe five, six bucks. Get them a dollar burger and a soda. How about a sandwich? Maybe you can intersperse some encouraging words when you take their order. You might be pleasantly surprised to discover that in their history, you share something in common.
Be the one who makes their life just a little easier.
Or, after you load your own groceries in the car, you can hang around for a few minutes just to see if someone else has a load they're having a hard time with. Ask them if they would like help. They may say no. They may be suspicious of your motives. That's okay. Smile if your offer is declined. Move on and find someone else.
Be the person who at least offered to help.
You get the idea.
One of my very favorite quotes comes from an ancient wise leader named King Benjamin.
He said: "When you are in the service of your fellow being, you are only in the service of your God."
I take that to heart.
Service projects don't have to be weildly and time consuming. Sometimes, people just need to know they're not alone in the world. They need to know someone cares and is interested in their humanity.
Be that person.
And, remember, Service is the Action Form of Love!
James
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8 comments:
Thank you for this wonderful reminder of the great joy that it is to serve others... This is the greatest path to becoming more like our Savior.
tDMg
LdsNana
Thanks for your kind comment, LdsNana - I knew you'd be here reading and commenting. You inspire me.
James
Delightful post. Even I can do something this simple today. Thanks for the encouragement.
"Have I done any good in the world today? Have I helped anyone in need? Have I cheered up the sad and made someone feel glad? If not, I have failed indeed."
one of the simplest things I've ever done was walked up to a woman I knew, not a close friend, and said, "you look like you need a hug today," gave her a big hug, and then went on my way -- TWO YEARS LATER that woman still gratefully spoke of that moment to my parents, who also knew her. we never know just how much a small act of kindness will mean to someone else.
kind rgds,
Tanya
In serving others we truly come to know the Savior. I love the invitation you have given us to just do something simple today to help another along the way. These are the kind acts that add up to make a huge difference in someones life...mostly your own.
Great reminder, thanks.
Thank you all for your kind comments.
tanyaross tells of a woman who remembered a hug 2 years later. I've had those experiences.
An LDS missionary doesn't remember how she encouraged me even now, years later. But I sure do. It wasn't so much what she said, but the fact that she took the time to say it and show me she cared.
I think we can all make an incredible impact in the lives of others, and we may never know of that impact until we're on the other side of the veil.
Keep on keepin on!
James
This is a great post - it's something I strive to do every day - whether it's being there for a student who is going through and needs an ear or stopping my entire world so that I can spend the entire day with a friend who needs comfort and love.
Today, the first Service Thursday, we planted a seed.
You all have helped plant that seed, for which I am very grateful.
Throughout the coming days, and weeks, seeds will grow. Every action spurs reaction, like a pebble tossed into a pond.
I appreciate you, and ask that you pray for this effort to continue and expand. And, please continue spreading the word by emailing a link to this blog or posting it wherever you post, Twitter, Facebook, MySpace... wherever.
God bless.
James
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