My friend Catherine wrote a beautiful post the other day. And it struck my heart, since I have similar desires to love and serve. I have been struggling with service lately, feeling that I need to do more to help those around me, not just my family. In the past I have reached WAY past my capacities by volunteering to do all sorts of things and providing myself, and as a result my family, with too much stress. Realizing that I can't do everything and that my family is most important, I pulled back from everyone else and focused on only them. This was very good for us all. But I now feel like I've got my life a little bit more in order and have the time and energy to help out a few other people.
This always seemed daunting to me. I can't make dinner for other people every week. "Service" always seemed to mean the big things. I know it's not and thanks to this past weekend's general conference and especially to the message from our Prophet, Thomas Monson, I know that I can do it. I know that as I pray for opportunities to help the people around me, I will receive them. God knows I don't have it together enough to do those big servicey deeds. He can direct me to those people who need a compliment, or some cookies, or a hug. I give really good hugs. I know that I can still help people by showing them love.
AND I know that I can do anything. If I'm meant to do it, Heavenly Father will give the the strength. I may not be able to do it all at the same time, but eventually, I will get it done.
