Today I have Mr. Bones. Mr. Bones is a bear that I purchased some years back for Halloween, and during the month of October, he always goes to school or work with someone in the family, then when we sit down for dinner, the person with Mr. Bones tells what they did and then passes the bear on to the next person.
As I listened to President Monson's Sunday morning General Conference address, I knew that Mr. Bones would come with an additional responsibility this year. President Monson spoke of a Dr. Jack McConnell whose minister father would always ask his children at the dinner table "And what did you do for someone today?" I added the twist, however, that the person with the bear had to do something for someone within the family (with the hopes of fostering better will between siblings) and for someone outside the family.
It has been an interesting exercise to actively look for ways that I can help people, and wondering what really makes a difference. Does my commiserating with the challenges a co-worker faces help even though it is beyond my ability to fix the problems they face? Do I actually have to DO something for it to help? There are a hundred questions that have run through my mind as I have looked for someone who could use help simply because I know that at the dinner table tonight I will be asked, probably not unlike the questions I will hear when I meet the Father again, "And what did you do for someone today?"
Showing posts with label service. Show all posts
Showing posts with label service. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
Spiritual Eyes (7/27/2009)
This morning, I would like to share a quote from Elder David Bednar that I came across:
"Before attending her sacrament meetings, Sister Bednar frequently prays for the spiritual eyes to see those who have a need. Often as she observes the brothers and sisters and children in the congregation, she will feel a spiritual nudge to visit with or make a phone call to a particular person. And when Sister Bednar receives such an impression, she promptly responds and obeys. It often is the case that as soon as the 'amen' is spoken in the benediction, she will talk with a teenager or hug a sister or, upon returning home, immediately pick up the phone and make a call. As long as I have known Sister Bednar, people have marveled at her capacity to discern and respond to their needs. Often they will ask her, 'How did you know?' The spiritual gift of being quick to observe has enabled her to see and to act promptly and has been a great blessing in the lives of many people."
As I read this example, I wondered how better off the church would be if we all took the time to do this. In the hymn "Have I done any good?" we sing "There are chances for work all around just now, opportunities right in our way. Do not let them pass by, saying 'sometime I'll try,' but go and do something today." (italics added) I think that it is easy for the natural man in all of us to get wrapped up with the problems in our own lives, but when we seek the Lord's help then take the chance to look around, we will see that there are plenty of people who could use our help, even if it is just a kind word or a listening ear.
"Before attending her sacrament meetings, Sister Bednar frequently prays for the spiritual eyes to see those who have a need. Often as she observes the brothers and sisters and children in the congregation, she will feel a spiritual nudge to visit with or make a phone call to a particular person. And when Sister Bednar receives such an impression, she promptly responds and obeys. It often is the case that as soon as the 'amen' is spoken in the benediction, she will talk with a teenager or hug a sister or, upon returning home, immediately pick up the phone and make a call. As long as I have known Sister Bednar, people have marveled at her capacity to discern and respond to their needs. Often they will ask her, 'How did you know?' The spiritual gift of being quick to observe has enabled her to see and to act promptly and has been a great blessing in the lives of many people."
As I read this example, I wondered how better off the church would be if we all took the time to do this. In the hymn "Have I done any good?" we sing "There are chances for work all around just now, opportunities right in our way. Do not let them pass by, saying 'sometime I'll try,' but go and do something today." (italics added) I think that it is easy for the natural man in all of us to get wrapped up with the problems in our own lives, but when we seek the Lord's help then take the chance to look around, we will see that there are plenty of people who could use our help, even if it is just a kind word or a listening ear.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Humility (7/14/2009)
"We must cultivate humility. Humility is the great protector. Humility is the antidote against pride. Humility is the catalyst for all learning, especially spiritual things.
"Through the prophet Ether, the Lord gave us this great insight into the role of humility:
"'I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.' (Ether 12:27)
"If we are meek and humble enough to receive counsel, the Lord can and will guide us through the counsel of our parents, our teachers, and our leaders. The proud can only hear the clamor of the crowd, but a person who 'becometh as a child' - as King Benjamin said, 'submissive, meek (and) humble' (Mosiah 3:19) - can hear and follow the still small voice by which our Father in Heaven guides his children who are receptive." - Elder Dallin H. Oaks
Humility is probably one of the most difficult traits to cultivate. As we accomplish things in life, it is easy to believe that we did those things on our own, and that we merit reward for our efforts. I think it is important to remember, however, the source of the gifts and talents that we have, and that we use those to bless the lives of others rather than for our own personal glorification. And as Elder Oaks reminds us with the scripture from Ether, when we humble ourselves, we will be blessed with greater strength that we can then use to serve others.
"Through the prophet Ether, the Lord gave us this great insight into the role of humility:
"'I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.' (Ether 12:27)
"If we are meek and humble enough to receive counsel, the Lord can and will guide us through the counsel of our parents, our teachers, and our leaders. The proud can only hear the clamor of the crowd, but a person who 'becometh as a child' - as King Benjamin said, 'submissive, meek (and) humble' (Mosiah 3:19) - can hear and follow the still small voice by which our Father in Heaven guides his children who are receptive." - Elder Dallin H. Oaks
Humility is probably one of the most difficult traits to cultivate. As we accomplish things in life, it is easy to believe that we did those things on our own, and that we merit reward for our efforts. I think it is important to remember, however, the source of the gifts and talents that we have, and that we use those to bless the lives of others rather than for our own personal glorification. And as Elder Oaks reminds us with the scripture from Ether, when we humble ourselves, we will be blessed with greater strength that we can then use to serve others.
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