And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God. (Mosiah 2:17)
It was my turn to do Sharing Time in primary today (after a lovely 6 week break thanks to practicing for the primary program, which I still haven't blogged about) and it was about service. I had a testimony of service already, but something always happens to my heart when I have to teach a concept to others. The concept becomes more clear in my mind, so that I can see the beauty and the simplicity of the idea.
I found myself telling the kids, "If you can gain a testimony of service, you will be blessed throughout your life." Upon thinking about it further I would even say that if you want guaranteed happiness all you have to do is serve others. I truly believe this and think that even if we know this and believe it we still forget to do it when we're struggling with something or sad. It's hard to look beyond our own woes, but when we do our load becomes lighter and our hearts more full.
I brought a bag full of household items and had the kids take turns choosing something out of the bag and suggesting a way they could serve others with that object. It was so simple and applied to everyone from age 3-100. It's a matter of being kind, loving, helpful and getting over ourselves.
**Do you have a testimony of service?
Do you forget about it when you're stressed?
Do you teach your kids to serve?**
Do you forget about it when you're stressed?
Do you teach your kids to serve?**
10 comments:
Everything you said is so true! Now if only I could put it to practice. I am going to have to remember that for sharing time. What a great idea!
Sadly, I don't think I am teaching my girls service very well?...definitely something to think about and work on! Thanks for the great thoughts!
Jill,
I'm so thankful that this month's theme is service~I went with my son to a cub scout activity and one of the stations was service~i was shocked when a little boy asked his mom what service was~I was so grateful then that my kids know what service is~they might not always do it willingly but they could tell you what it was!
I completely agree with you telling the kids about gaining a testimony of service!
Thanks for your great example~to both me & your kids in primary!
Autumn
Oh, oh. Thanks for the object lesson. That is a good idea. I have used that idea to teach "all things bear record of Christ" using everyday objects, but it didn't occur to do service. I really, really appreciate the idea. Thank you.
I could not agree with you more. It is difficult to see past the pain, but serving is always the one thing that pulls me out of a rut.
I definitely have a testimony of service. And yes, I do often forget about it when I get stressed and feel like I'm just getting by. I am sure I have not done enough to teach my kids about service... I'd better think about that some more.
I wish you were in our Primary!
so much better than my sharing time today! i love that lesson. i can't think of a better person to teach service than you.
yes...i am stressed but you are absolutely right, when I service others, you get happy. I was going to tell youa story, but it is too long, so I will call you for that one.
I love to be reminded of the happiness that service brings. I feel like I have a testimony of this, but like you said, I often get stressed and busy and neglect to take the time I could to do more for others.
A few years ago I was on the receiving end of service in a big way. This was a new role for me--humbling, to say the least--but very strengthening as well. I think it's good to be on both ends of the service cycle now and then.
Six weeks to practice your Primary program?! Our kids practice for two. Love your Sharing Time idea!
I love service and I'm always so grateful to help someone in need...it makes me forget all about how stressful life can be!
So rewarding indeed!
I love the idea of taking everyday things to teach the kids!
YOU JUST GAVE ME MY FHE IDEA FOR TOMORROW...THANKS!!!!
You are one of THE MOST service-oriented people I've ever known. Ever. And the great thing I've enjoyed watching about your way of serving is how it's accomplished in small, everyday ways. Small, but consistent.
You are an example to me.
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