“I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve.” -Albert Schweitzer
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Service to others is so very important!
It’s a selfless act to help our family, neighbors, and community to be the best they can be, as well as doing something that lifts our spirits too! It increases our love and awareness for those around us!
Last month we were invited to participate in Steph’s “Summer of Service” on Somewhat Simple. It was a great opportunity for me to reflect on my blessings and what I can do with those blessings to bless others!
This was one of the first memories that came to my mind:
When I was a teenager I was asked to participate in a service project where we would be cleaning a widow’s yard. Even though I knew it was the right thing to do, I really didn’t want to go. I fought my parents on it for over a half an hour, and being the good parents they are, I ended up going. When I pulled up, I realized that a lot of my friends had successfully won their battles with their parents because there was hardly anyone there. A leader, being very excited to have another person to help, threw me a rake and told me where to start. It was then that I realized there was no getting out of it and I needed to make the best of it.
That instant attitude switch made all the difference.
I lost myself in the yard work and ended up having a very enjoyable time! I honestly believe that I got more out of that evening of service than the widow did. I’ll never forget that experience. It has strengthened my belief in the importance of service.
Because of that experience, I decided that I would find someone who needed help making their yard and surroundings beautiful! It was just as enjoyable as every time before!
So, today I would like to encourage you to get out there and serve! Get your hands dirty – it will clean your soul! 😉
Weed some flower beds!
Plant Some Flowers!
Mow Their Lawn!
Rake Their Leaves!
Paint Some Signs!
{We helped out at a county park so signs were something we could help with!}
So get out there! Enjoy the sun! Enjoy the earth! Enjoy helping someone do something they can’t!
Service: it’s a constant teacher no matter how old or young you are. 🙂
Happy Serving!
{We’re linking up to these parties!}
Penny says
I agree! I struggled with this when I was young and my parents would take me to my great Aunts for the day to help her. I would rather have been with my friends or at home. However, the more time I spent helping her, the more I realized how wonderful it made me feel to be taking care of her needs. Being “in service” is a great feeling!
Nesleirbag says
I like the “clean your soul” comment. Probably the best emotion on earth is how you feel when you help someone. Thanks for a wonderful post!
Jill Jackson says
Such great advice. Unfortunately here in Texas, there’s no flower beds to weed and the grass has been dead for a while. But I’ll definitely keep my eyes open for things that I can do!