So, this week’s lesson was a good one for me. The lesson was about teaching our kids service. I feel that the best way to teach this is through example, so today I am focusing this one on me. I have been having a hard time lately. Ok, honestly, sense I moved a year and a half ago that I haven’t been at the top of my game. I don’t know how to really say what is going on in my thinking process, so if this is totally jumbled then I am so sorry.
I love giving to people. Doing someone’s hair, sending a card, helping them in whatever I can, I feel good when I do, I feel like if I am your friend then I will be there for you, but sometimes I get to the point with a few people where I feel that it isn’t a friendship of love anymore. It turns into someone just using me and never returning that love and thanks. We all want to feel loved and appreciated, so why is it so hard for some people to return that love and appreciation. I get to the point where I just want to distance myself from them, but that is easier said than done when you live close to one another. So my question is, Am I doing all I can, no matter what, to serve everyone around me, or am I falling short to that what Heavenly Father is asking me to do? Do I just keep giving regardless if they change or stay the same, or do I make myself distant and wish them the best?
Sister Tanner made the statement, “Don’t just be a good person. Be a daughter of God!” I love this. When has Christ complained that the people where being mean and selfish. Umm… Never. He didn’t because he loves us. I feel like I am a good person, but am I doing what I need to do to be a daughter of God? She asked us to check ourselves…
1. How are my prayers? - Do I pour out my heart and wait to hear the answers? Do I ask what I need to do, to change, to concur? How far are my prayers extending? Are they just self focused on my little kingdom, my extended family, the missionaries? How many people and I praying for? I could do a lot better with talking with my Father.
2. Am I keeping the Sabbath Day Holy? I feel like I am doing good in this area
3. Am I serving others with my whole heart? This is my top question
I love giving to people. Doing someone’s hair, sending a card, helping them in whatever I can, I feel good when I do, I feel like if I am your friend then I will be there for you, but sometimes I get to the point with a few people where I feel that it isn’t a friendship of love anymore. It turns into someone just using me and never returning that love and thanks. We all want to feel loved and appreciated, so why is it so hard for some people to return that love and appreciation. I get to the point where I just want to distance myself from them, but that is easier said than done when you live close to one another. So my question is, Am I doing all I can, no matter what, to serve everyone around me, or am I falling short to that what Heavenly Father is asking me to do? Do I just keep giving regardless if they change or stay the same, or do I make myself distant and wish them the best?
Sister Tanner made the statement, “Don’t just be a good person. Be a daughter of God!” I love this. When has Christ complained that the people where being mean and selfish. Umm… Never. He didn’t because he loves us. I feel like I am a good person, but am I doing what I need to do to be a daughter of God? She asked us to check ourselves…
1. How are my prayers? - Do I pour out my heart and wait to hear the answers? Do I ask what I need to do, to change, to concur? How far are my prayers extending? Are they just self focused on my little kingdom, my extended family, the missionaries? How many people and I praying for? I could do a lot better with talking with my Father.
2. Am I keeping the Sabbath Day Holy? I feel like I am doing good in this area
3. Am I serving others with my whole heart? This is my top question
Sister Tanner made up this great chart she calls the Service Continuum. The top says
“Love the Lord the God with all thy heart, might, mind, and strength”
“Love they neighbor as thyself”
These two great commandments are opportunities or gifts to lead us to spiritual maturity. We are here to learn how to love enough to get our minds off ourselves! The Service Continuum involves the development of the heart—not time spent.
The sheet is broken up into 5 columns. I won’t, I have to, I will, I want to, and May I/I am Thankful.
I Won’t- I won’t serve in that calling, I don’t obey basic commandments, won’t serve others, only wants to be served. I won’t is also I can’t
I Have To-Complains about doing it, focused on personal cost, doesn’t want to go to church, critical, not dependable. This is also an I need and Laman and Lemuel type. (most kids)
I Will- Serves out of duty not joy, dependable, obedient, keeps score, desires to do right, feels guilty or hopeless from time to time. These people create a plan and follow through.
I Want To- willing or wants to give the time required, continually tires to do better, still sees relationship from own perspective, does extra, seeks to serve others, teaches gospel, willing to give time to relationships, many will obey commandments of the Lord, but will not seek further light and knowledge, Has FHE, scripture study, and prayer. These people go the extra mile.
May I/I am Thankful- grateful for atonement, service is so small compared to what the Lord has done for me, consecrates time, means, talents to the Lord, forgives all men without anger or bitterness, fasts and prayers about callings, regular/meaningful temple attendance, listens with empathy to understand another’s’ world, values differences, Seeks ways to lift spouse, children, others. This is when you Love our Savior.
These are only a few from each list. So ask yourself, “Where do I fall.” I thought a lot about it yesterday and today and I think I am in the I Will category and maybe jumping into the I want to category every now and again. This reality is kind of sad for me because I want to be better. Our homework for this week was to go up one level and our eternal goal is to live in the I Am Thankful category. I know that Heavenly Father loves me so much as he does everyone. I know that he knows me and the struggles that are in my life right now. Sometimes I feel alone, but I know I am never alone. I want to focus more on his will than mine. I want to step up my game in my prayers, scripture study, and service. I know that is where I will find my true happiness. And I know that in doing this I will some day be at the I am Thankful.
1 who want to talk about it:
I have taken Sister Tanner's class, and this was one of my favorite lessons. Thanks so much for the refresher. I know I want to live in the I am thankful category as much as I can, but I know that I don't. I will work harder.
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