Called To Serve

Saturday felt more like a Sunday as we were all challenged to serve others. Our primary (church) organized an activity where all the children were called to serve a mission for our church. Davis was called to Japan and Dylan was called to Fresno, California (where Jason served). The boys were very confused when they got their letter and had a little panic in their eyes as they asked if it was “for real” and if they had to leave home. I told them it was just an activity day where they would learn about missionary work.

They had so much fun and are even more excited to be missionaries when they’re 19. I was asked to help out with the bike relay.

Davis now hopes he doesn’t get called to Japan because he didn’t like the food we was asked to eat. Although, he is still singing “I am a Child of God” in Japanese days later.

Afterwards, we met up with Wendy and her family at McDonald’s since Jason was still at school.

All the boys were in heaven as we haven’t been inside a McDonald’s for quite a while.

Our kids play together really well and I adore being with Wendy’s girls.

The kids got quite inventive with their activities while we were there.

That evening I met up with some friends to watch a broadcast specifically for the women of our church. I was touched the most with President Uchtdorf”s talk. Here are a couple paraphrased statements he made.

“Our Heavenly Father is a God of creation and compassion. Creating and being compassionate are 2 objectives that contribute to our Heavenly Fathers’ perfect happiness. These activities we can and should emulate.

The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul no matter what our talents and abilities. Creation brings deep satisfaction and fulfillment. What you create doesn’t have to be perfect. Don’t let fear of failure discourage you or voice of critiques paralyze you.

Trust and rely on the spirit as you take the normal activities in your daily life to create something of beauty and helpfulness. You improve not only the world around you but also the world within you.”

Next he spoke about compassion, “In the end the number of prayers we say may contribute to our happiness but the number of prayers we answer may be of greater importance. Let us open our eyes and see the heavy hearts.”

It was so nice to hear that our creative drives are normal and a gift from God because {{obviously}} he is a creative being. I also really needed the encouragement on service. My family life has been so overwhelming to me for some time that I’ve used that as an excuse. I serve in some ways but it’s something that I feel the need to improve on and get out of my comfort zone.

There are several women around me that embody what President Uchtdorf was describing. I’m so grateful for their example and their kindness towards my family. This is a character trait that I really admire in others and hope to one day achieve.

The day ended with some entertaining conversation at Chili’s. I seem to always learn something new when I hang out with other women. In the end, it was a day of spiritual uplift and has helped me redirect my energies this week.