Summer has been crazy. I am not sure you could even call it summer! The weather was so cold for so long. Then when it finally warmed up, there seemed to be little down time. Now the kids have been in school for a month and it is time for me to start focusing on my spiritual needs. Be patient with me as you read this blog. I believe it will all come together.
Scripture
Romans 12:1
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
Words from the Prophet
Yesterday was the General Relief Society Broadcast. I was unable to attend, but have listened to President Monson's Address. He "beseeched" the women of the world much the same as Paul counseled the saints in the early church.
"There is a serious need for the charity that gives attention to those who are unnoticed, hope to those who are discouraged, aid to those who are afflicted. True charity is love in action. The need for charity is everywhere.
"Needed is the charity which refuses to find satisfaction in hearing or in repeating the reports of misfortunes that come to others, unless by so doing the unfortunate one may be benefitted. The American educator and politician Horace Mann once said, “To pity distress is but human; to relieve it is Godlike.”
Personal Inventory
Also yesterday, our ward had a "10k to the Temple" walk, run, ride. I didn't walk, run, or ride, but I was asked to help at intersections, ensuring that everyone reached the Temple in safety. (I was also asked to help everyone stretch their muscles at the end. Not many were interested, so didn't really do much besided remind them to stretch.) The thing that struck me is that I have some how become an outsider in my Ward. I blame no one else for this. It is just something that has happened as I have withdrawn myself. I realize it is my own fault. If I created this situation and don't like it, it is up to me to fix it.
Call to Action
So in the Spirit of Paul and President Monson. It is time for me to serve with charity. If I feel unnoticed, discouraged, and afflicted, how many others do? I am outgoing, confident (for the most part) and able to talk to almost anyone when I want to. My prayer is that I will once again want to. I can find those standing on the outside looking in, those like me who appear to have it all together, but hurt inside and need to feel noticed. I pray my service may be acceptable to God as Paul counseled, and relieve the distress of at least one. I know I have a LLLLLOOOOONNNNGGG way to go before I can even consider being Godlike....but maybe it is a step in the right direction.
