Service Comes in all Shapes and Sizes

Tonight I was pondering how easy it is to serve others but just how hard it can be to be served by others. My entire life I have served my family, my neighbors, my ward, and my community. I have loved every minute of it and have found so much peace and joy in serving them. These past few months since my diagnosis I have really struggled with asking for help and then trying to not feel guilty for not being able to help them. I know that this illness is teaching me to be humble and allow others the opportunity to serve and enjoy the blessings of service. I am so grateful for opportunities I have had to serve and the many blessings it has brought into my life.

I remember back a few months ago praying for my teens. I vividly recall pleading with the Lord and asking him what I could do to help them through their teenage years. Times are tough for teens today and I asked the Lord to help me know what I could do.

 As I have witnessed the difficulties of these past few months for not just myself but for my family, I have seen first hand just how service softens hearts and blesses lives. I have seen such a change in my children's ability to serve and their willingness to put others before themselves. I have been so blessed to reap the blessings of watching them grow and be strengthened through this trial. I have felt their love through their small and simple acts of service. It is the key to helping us become closer as a family and to our Father in Heaven. I know my kids feel the  pure love of Christ each time they do something to help me out. I am learning to sit back and accept help and then shower them with gratitude in return.

Although I can't do giant acts of service at this time, I am learning that small and simple acts are sometimes just as important. A smile, a hug, a compliment, or even just having someone to talk to is what I can do  for my kids. I am learning that service comes in all shapes and sizes and it doesn't matter the size of the service that is important, but that you show your love to others any way that you can.