Balm of Service

The last two posts talked about really believing and FEELING that we are truly children of God.  Our daily outlook will change,  Our attitude will be different, and our disposition will be improved toward everyone and everything.

The other post talked about realizing the purpose of trials and challenges, realizing that "all things have been done in the wisdom of Him who knoweth all things."  (2 Nephi 2:24)  Father knows us, He knows what we are going through and the lessons we are supposed to learn.  Even knowing all that, ti does not make it any easier.  Going through long-lasting afflictions or trials often makes life, believing in our Father in Heaven, and constantly feeling secure that He is aware of us, even though we do not get answers to our prayer very challenging.

Consider Abraham.  He took a while hiking with his son toward the martyrdom of Isaac.  I am sure during that hike toward the appointed location, he was struggling.  I am sure Joseph Smith was aching and wondering,  "Oh God where art thou..."  We all have times such as these.

But as I think, ponder, and pray about these times, the idea comes to me that during these "opportunities of growth," we do not have to sit and just question, ask why, and endure. Yes, endurance is required of us, "endure to the end".  But there are things we need to do.

Remember the scripture,  "... unto the least of these, ye have done it unto me."  Consider how you would feel in spending a few hours making some chocolate chip cookies and delivering to our Saviour Jesus.  As He accepted them at His door, He says, "Thanks so much, I love chocolate chip cookies..."  How would you feel?  In any service, we are doing it (as if) unto our Christ.

I am sure that everyone  of us remembers the sweet Spirit accompanying our service, our sacrifice when we just didn't have the time but we just made time to serve.  I am sure we can recall the sweet thoughts of how much that particular service was needed.  I am sure each of us has felt the healing, comforting balm of service.  Whether we think we are serving the Savior or not, we are giving, we are serving, we are planting the beginning of charity, love, and compassion.

While we suffer through our trials, if we can find ourselves looking for methods of serving, forgetting our trials, and putting into practice thinking of someone else, the healing balm of service will help us return to the Spirit, feel His love for us, and propel us toward the sweet condition of Charity.  Serving will put out thoughts outward, eliminate selfish thoughts lamenting our circumstances.   Service, giving, praying for others, knowing we need to be open to the Holy Ghost to learn.  We need to pray for help to learn the lessons that we are being taught in our Gethsemane..

Next Post cometh on Sunday March 15.