A Prompting about Service

Almost 2 years ago I was reading the Ensign and I had a really strong prompting that I needed to do something very specific.  I saw myself with a calendar placed on my bedside table.  But instead of writing down a schedule in it, I felt impressed to use it as a service journal.

I went to Target the next day, where, coincidentally, there was a whole stack of calendars clearanced.  I bought one and and each night since I have taken a few moments to think about my day before reading my scriptures.  My original goal was to only write down acts of service that are out of the norm.  After doing this day after day, month after month, I have come to realize that on some days, simply getting a homemade dinner on the table is an accomplishment and that I should be happy that I did it.

I didn't know how this simple practice would change me.  My hypothesis was that in the beginning I would make more of an effort to do service for others that was outside of my usual comfort zone.  Fortunately, I was correct.  But I think the biggest thing I have realized from this year and a half of service journaling, is that a lot of small, seemingly insignificant acts are just as important as big gestures.  

Another thing I have come to learn, is that people don't always need a specific act of service.  They just need to be served so that they know they are loved.

I have also learned more so about how we truly have no idea about what is going on behind the 4 walls in someone's home even if they seem outgoing with others and post on social media a dozen times a day.  We all have struggles and hardships, and normally the hardest ones are the most secret.

A while ago the Mormon Channel came out with this video that went viral.  I remember watching it for the first time on a really really tough day.  I felt like the mom in the movie was me.  I remember I was taking a break in the bathroom while the kids were up to all kinds of craziness.  I remember crying because I was so overwhelmed.  And then I watched this and there was just comfort.  So of course I cried again.

Being a stay at home mom has been incredible!  But I would guess I'm not alone when I wonder how significant my role is when there isn't really anything to measure it by.  Ever since I started my service journal I began to see more of a physical measurement.  How often do I choose to look at others instead of my own problems?  What tiny gesture of service in the day made the rest of my day (and someone else's) better?  What kind of a positive domino effect can I make happen today?

I am grateful for that little prompting I had that day to start this habit.  It has changed my perspective on daily life and has helped me change my habits and feelings toward others.

Trivia:  This video touched me so much when I first saw it that I watched it over and over again.  When I started doing zumba at our stake center I kept wondering why my instructor looked so familiar.  It turns out that her name is Angie and that she used to live in Utah where she did a lot of acting.  She's the plays the mom in this clip.  And can I tell you how different she is in real life in comparison to this video?  She is one of the most upbeat, positive people I know.