What have I done for someone today?

Last October 2009 General Conference, President Thomas S. Monson gave a talk entitled "What Have I done for  Someone Today?"  I have been looking for a spiritual thought to give in my presidency meeting and remembered a quote from his talk.... and this is the jest of the quote...."Are you immersed in the thick of thin things?"  I read through this talk because it related to Service, and quoted was  King Benjamin from the Book of Mormon... "When ye are in the service of your fellow beings, ye are only in the service of your God."

The Savior taught His disciples, "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it."   President Monson said that "He believes the Savior is telling us that unless we lose ourselves in the service of others, there is little purpose to our own lives.  Those who live only for themselves eventually shrivel up and figuratively lose their lives, while those who lose themselves in service of others, grow and flourish---and in effect save their lives".

"We are surrounded by those in need of our attention, our encouragement, our support, our comfort, our kindness--- be they family members, friends, acquaintances or strangers.  We are the Lord's hands here upon the earth, with the mandate to serve and to lift His children.  He is dependent upon each of us."

I have been so gratified these past two days by so many kind women in my own neighborhood who have selflessly and immediately accepted the opportunity to provide a meal for a family who will be having a private family memorial service for a loved family member who has passed away.  One email was shot off to some women, and immediately they responded, with offers of bringing side dishes, desserts, and all manner of wonderful food for this family.  Everyone of them are busy women, and in particular the day of the memorial service, yet they love their neighbor and wanted to help. 

Service isn't always convenient, or timely but when we serve others, there is truly an added benefit for the server.  It is simply this.... Joy.  It feels so good to know that you are helping others, and if you are burdened yourself, just go out and serve someone else, and I can guarantee, that you will come back feeling so much better.  You will feel so good inside.  You will feel joy. 

In the talk President Monson quotes a familiar church hymn...
Have I done any good in the world today?
Have I helped anyone in need?
Have I cheered up the sad and made someone feel glad?
If not, I have failed indeed.
Has anyone's burden been lighter today
Because I was willing to share?
Have the sick and the weary been helped on their way?
When they needed my help was I there?

This wonderful hymn then ends by these words....
"Then WAKE UP, and do something more"  than dream of your mansions above... doing good is a pleasure, a joy beyond measure, a blessing, of goodness and love."

I have created a cute bookmark handout to share using the thought provoking quote from this wonderful talk..."Are you immersed in the thick of thin things?"  This quote helps me to inventory the time I am spending during the day.  What am I doing with my time, and what could or should I be doing?  I thought I would give you alittle service and pass it on.

Enjoy!
Katie G.