I have discovered that adding one more act of service to my daily schedule just to write about here is not really something I have time or energy for. I have been thinking a lot about how and why I serve other people. I had an amazing example in my mom. She served every day of her life...drops of AWESOME every single day. Sometimes it was just a hug for a friend in need. Sometimes it was money to the missionaries so they could take themselves to dinner. Sometimes it was secretly paying off a friends debt because it would make their life a little more bearable. She cooked and cleaned and cared for her kids and husband. She worked so that she could help pay for missions and college. She invited friends for dinner and took gifts and cards to brighten others' days. She was quick with a kind word and a helping hand. She was quick to apologize, even when she wasn't at fault, just to help another to feel better about the situation. She held the door for those coming in behind and took whatever she could to lighten a load. She sent cards with money and flowers for no reason. Her life, it seems, was always about making someone else's life happier, easier, better.
I like to think that I learned from her well, and I try every day to make someone else's day a little happier, a littler easier, a little better. So, although I have not taken the time to plan specific acts of service as I had originally planned, I have served every day. I am adding my drops of AWESOME to my bowl each day. And I have realized that this isn't a big change in my life. I tried to serve before this experience and I will continue to serve after I turn 40, too! I have noticed that service is at the forefront of my thoughts more often now and maybe my service is a little bit more deliberate. I also think that as I have been more thoughtful about service, Heavenly Father can more easily inspire and guide my actions each day to be of service to those who most need it.
A few drops of awesome that I have been adding lately:
1. Annette presented a problem at the daycare and I have the resources to help solve it. I have been working on quiet time activities/boxes for the kids so that her afternoons will run a little more smoothly (a little happier, a little easier, a little better). Awesome.
2. Lindsay posted on Facebook that she needs some ideas about how to help James to do more than watch TV and play video games. Jadee and I have made it our project to come up with lots of fun things for him to do to entertain himself and learn and grow while he's at it. We hope this makes his momma's days a little happier, a little easier, a little better. Awesome.
3. I spent Jadee's baptism weekend creating what I believe was a great experience for everyone who was around. I cooked (which seems to be a rarity these days) and served and cleaned up and hosted. We made little favors for the kids who came to the baptism. I printed and framed pictures and bought flowers for a special display of Jadee. I think it was an AWESOME weekend for all.
4. Holly and I went to lunch the other day. She bought mine and I bought hers :) I just wanted her to know how much I appreciate her coming to preschool and helping out there. She is a volunteer, adding her own drops of awesome to her own bowl each time. I told her how appreciative I am. I hope she knows it and believes it. Awesome.
5. Some things I try to do everyday...hold doors; give compliments; say please and thank you and excuse me and I'm sorry; say I love you; give hugs. Awesome.
I am grateful for this experience...look at what I have learned so far! And we're only into two weeks!
By the way, I have decided to make it 40 days of temple service in the year of my 40th birthday. I am three up and waiting patiently for the temple to open again :)
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