Today’s Reading: Alma 24:8-30
18 And this they did, it being in their view a testimony to God, and also to men, that they never would use weapons again for the shedding of man’s blood; and this they did, vouching and covenanting with God, that rather than shed the blood of their brethren they would give up their own lives; and rather than take away from a brother they would give unto him; and rather than spend their days in idleness they would labor abundantly with their hands.
Selflessness is the key to happiness in this life. The days that I’m feeling the most frustrated about something, are the days that I realize I’m being selfish with my time. The days that I feel the least accomplished are the days that I have been idle. Now I’m not saying that we can’t take a few minutes out of our busy days and read, watch a show, go for a walk, or do something for ourselves. I’m also not saying that spending a day doing next to nothing is bad either. Sometimes we need those days to unwind and recharge. What I am saying, is when those kinds of days become a priority over selfless and service-filled days then we are being the old Lamanites rather than the newly converted Lamanites.
That which we persist in doing becomes easier for us to do; not that the nature of the thing itself is changed, but that our power to do is increased. (emphasis added)
-Heber J. Grant
I am not the most selfless person but my husband is. It doesn’t matter what is going on, he will drop just about anything and serve someone in whatever capacity they need. I need a bit more of a nudge to do it. I am not hardwired as selfless, if that makes sense, and that is okay. Recently, the missionaries helped me out with my service aspect. They asked me to go on visits with them to a womans’ house who was about my age and who I had befriended at church. She was thinking about becoming active in the church again and we become fast friends, with her little boy being 2 months older than my sweet baby girl.
I loved going over to her house with them. I could hardly wait for the next appointment and when I couldn’t make them I was devastated. I could feel the love that the Lord has for her and wanted to shower with that love the best that I could. The more that I went with the missionaries so serve her, the more I started craving service, and the more that I have been craving the opportunity to serve, the easier it has become.
So instead of expecting others to serve us, which I have been guilty of, let us give unto others and labor abundantly with our hands to be there for others. Give of yourself and your cup will be filled.
Megan is a wife, mother, and daughter of Heavenly Father who loves cooking, working out, photography and being a stay-at-home-mom!