It has been snowing here in Utah. Big surprise…it is winter.
Well, I decided to shovel our sidewalk and driveway.
As I was shoveling I began to wonder about the differences between John and I.
John does a lot of service for me and so I thought I would ask him “what do you think about when you do service? Do you think gosh. why do I have to do this? or do you just do it and are grateful?”
Because my thoughts at first tend to be “man, why can’t someone else just do this?” The older I have become, the less this has been the question. Now, i just do it because it needs to be done.
John taught me something lovely. he said,” I do service because if I do it it means someone else doesn’t have to. ” he continued, “I make dinner because I know it lightens your load.” I replied with something like, “well, maybe you should be out here shoveling then. 😉 ” (John’s note: What she failed to say is that I usually am out there doing the shoveling…thank you for being out there this time dear! It made my day easier and I was able to focus on any one of a dozen or so different demands that were being placed on me at the time!)
As I pondered this conversation I realized I may do a job because it needs to be done but where is my heart? Is my heart feeling resentful or is it happier because I am serving my family or my neighbor?
Where our heart and intent are is just as important as getting a job done.
I believe we are here to learn and grow. We are here to progress. I think John’s words were timely and perfect for what I needed to hear.
Some of you may know I just started a new job. I am using that job as an opportunity to help lighten the load someone else may be carrying. I am helping by being positive and smiling and asking them how they are doing. I genuinely want to know and listen.
So to quote one of my favorite hymns that remind me of why I do what I do
1. 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.
Has anyone’s burden been lighter today
Because I was willing to share?
Have the sick and the weary been helped on their way?
When they needed my help was I there?
(Chorus)
Then wake up and do something more
Than dream of your mansion above.
Doing good is a pleasure, a joy beyond measure,
A blessing of duty and love.
2. 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.
‘Tis noble of man to work and to give;
Love’s labor has merit alone.
Only he who does something helps others to live.
To God each good work will be known.
Text and music: Will L. Thompson, 1847-1909, alt.
So, what can you do to help a little more? To extend yourself. I promise that as we serve with a willing and glad heart our burdens will become lighter. We will find more joy, more peace and more comfort.
Thank you John for a lesson well taught and heeded.
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