A few months ago I was at Target, in a hurry, when I saw an older woman, about 70 who looked so cute. Nice bootcut jeans, a brown semi-fitted jacket, flat boots and cute hair. I thought, "Wow. I hope I look like that when I get older," and walked by.
Then, I felt like I should tell her. When I did, she got tears in her eyes, and gave me a hug and said her husband had died last month and told me she'd been going through a really tough time and I helped put a smile on her face.
Well, since then I've been pretty wrapped up in me. We were going to move, I was choosing house stuff, I had James who was still little, Parker who was still a baby too, and an oldest child who required a lot of attention. I was writing for the paper, both of us were busy with church stuff...you all know the drill. I felt all I was capable of doing was doing things for us, that my time to really do good things would be later in life.
Well, I've been watching extreme home makeover and Oprah's big give, and I've been in awe of what people with WAY less money and time than I have are doing for others. I started to realize the reason I've felt overwhelmed and like I have nothing left for others is because I've been so selfish, mostly with my time, and feeling sorry for myself.
So, two weeks ago, I turned over a new leaf. I decided that I want to be more like the people that really make a difference for others. Less about doing my church duty and more about Christlike service. I made a goal to serve someone EVERYDAY, and involve my kids as much as possible. I realized it's not up to me to decide who deserves service, it's up to me to serve others.
I cannot tell you the difference it has made in my life. My outlook and attitude has completely changed. Instead of staring at the mom with the screaming toddler at the grocery store, I leave my cart and see if I can help. Instead of eating an entire batch of cookies, we take some to the neighbors. On days where we have nothing to do, we weed a neighbors yard, or pick up trash at the park. Instead of feeling sorry for myself that my kids are always sick, I try and help others even if they don't need it.
The stuff I've done isn't earth shattering and few probably even notice, but it's made a big difference to me and the way I live my life. I know that my kids are learning from it too. I'd love to hear if anyone has good family service ideas, as it's always hard to find things little ones can be a part of. Thanks for indulging me. I don't usually post personal me stuff.
17 comments:
Great story, great idea, BUT I WANT TO SEE PICTURES OF YOUR HOUSE!!!!!!! HURRY UP!
I like your "personal me stuff." And I have thought the same thing recently, but more because of hearing stories of our new prophet, and how he is always serving others, in particular the sick, and how he always makes everyone feel like he has all the time in the world for them, although I'm sure he's one of the busiest people on earth. Literally. I, like you, felt like I'd have to wait for my life to change, rather than change my life and was particularly stifled by the money thing. But when I heard about how Pres. Monson goes to the hospital all the time, I realized that requires time, not money, and have been re-evaluating things. Only you beat me to the actually doing something about it. Tragically, I'm still here just thinking.
As for service ideas, I don't have any in particular, but I like doing FHE's where one each month is focused on service of some sort. It can go with a monthly theme, if that's how you do it, or it can just be random, but I think serving together as a family teaches and brings ties like nothing else.
And just to be sure I've posted the longest comment you'll ever get, I'll add one more thing. There is a quote from Marjorie Pay Hinckley about showing up in Heaven in a very unglamorous fashion, but how all the signs of non-glamor are also indicative of the service rendered during her life. Right down to making PB&J for a neighbor's sick kids, so I would wager that your service is more earth-shattering than you think. Keep up the good work!
I love your honesty. okay I am inspired!
Brooke, you are such a good person and mom. Your boys are really lucky to have you!
I loved reading your post Brooke! I love to hear what others are doing because it inspires me to do better! I am glad that Parker's surgery went well too!
What a great idea, and what a great example you are to a lot of people. It doesn't surprise me that you are doing little acts of service because that is definitely the Brooke I know. Always thinking of others:) Thanks for inspiring me to do more!
Hey, I wanna be that neighboor you bring cookies too next time...loved our conversation about this exact thing, it gave me some motivation of my own, your great, what will I ever do when you are not two doors down!!!
You are an inspiration! Thanks for the reminder. I have been in complete awe of all of the service the women around me are involved in. I think the biggest thing is to JUST DO IT. When I was sick I had a friend just call and say, "OK, I am brining soup and rolls at 5". No, can I help with anything? or give me a call if I can help. Not only that, but I had another friend just drop off scones and Gatorade. Then I had another friend just drop off a little get better soon basket. I felt so loved and grateful. But even more than that, I feel inspired to look for any opportunity to serve the people around me with more frequency. The possibilities are endless...
That is SO darling! I love that! i totally agree, I swear that oprah's big give is soo wonderful! i totally am into making dinners for people, like new moms, some of my friends that are pregnant and totally sick, or just people that are soo overwhelmed and busy, or people that have things happen to them that are sad..
just because i feel soo blessed that we have food, and stuff... because i LOVE to cook and bake! i totally agree, it is SO nice to just do LITTLE things. it really DOES make a difference in your life.
You are AWESOME!!!
Loved reading this because I have had very similar thoughts lately. Being the YW President takes a lot of time and energy but for some reason I haven't felt completely satisfied as claiming it as my "service". Thanks for the inspiration!
Okay, can you be ANY more inspirational?! As I sit here catching up on my internet gossip and watching reality shows you are making see what's really important. Good Girl!!!
First of all you are the kindest person I know (you have never been selfish!). I also love the big give, I cry everytime! Thanks for posting this, you are such a great example to me but most importantly to your kids. Your kids are so lucky to have you!
Loved it. Gabe and I read that part of King Benjamin's service and I thought about challenging him to find one way to help someone today. Should have followed up on that thought...for both of us.
Life is ALL about the little services, I think.
What a great goal and idea! Honestly, I feel like you are great at service especially the way that you always seem to go out of your way to be kind and involve new people in a group or conversation. I know that I have appreciated you for that!
I've got four little ones. We try to do service every day too. One of our easiest is to say something nice to someone. People don't hear enough positive comments these days. Like you story with the 70-year old woman. Small words of kindness go a LONG way. I'll also take my kids to help people move (but only one kid at a time...can't keep track of more during a move). When I take my big kids, they help move medium to light weight items. When I take my little ones, they "help" me carry the boxes with their "strong" muscles. We don't get a lot done, but they've participated and have learned more about service. :) Every little act of service adds to their whole picture of helping out.
I'm so so glad you decided to say something to her. I'm a frequent commenter too. I think it's such a nice way to brighten someones day.
BTW, you're a little angel from heaven. I admire you.
What a good idea! It's always good to have reminders like this! Thanks!
Post a Comment