 |
Our former assistant
that we saw today |
Hello
everyone. Nothing exciting at all happened this week. When I say nothing, I mean nothing. I did the normal stuff. However, with 15 weeks left, I just want to share the importance of serving. Serving God, yourself and others.
 |
| I love Elder Buers |
In
life, we will have plenty of opportunity to serve others, ourselves, and God. These opportunities arise daily. It's no secret that we will be able to serve others. It's not a questionable idea, it's something that we know will happen every day. With these
opportunities that arise daily, our outlook and approach is what will make the difference. Our attitude is what determines the end result.
 |
| Pic with my comp |
If
we come to a situation that requires us to give our time or sacrifice something, it sometimes becomes dreadful. We may not enjoy the thing we are doing. But, one thing we often overlook is that the reason it is so boring or mundane is because we are looking at
it all wrong. We need to look at everything in a better light. We need to look at the end result. Looking at the positive outcome instead of thinking about ourselves will help you perform the task and duty you are asked to do. You will learn to love it.
I
have learned that no matter the act of service I am doing, I am able to find so much joy in it. On the mission I have been able to plant flowers on temple square, work at a food bank, pack meals for those who are homeless or struggling, help people move,
help pull weeds, and so much more. In addition, my assignments have not always been the most fun. But, as I have looked at things on the bright side and seen the blessings, I have come to know that the service I do is worth it.
 |
It looks like I was trying to do the tango,
except there was no one there |
Yes,
I loved riding my bike in Vegas, however, sometimes I hated riding up on the hill on Allen Lane, right past Anne Road, especially when it's 20 to 30 mph winds. Only Rockhard (my
trainer) will understand how difficult it was for me that day. And sometimes I got tired having to ride 10 to 15 miles a day. But, I looked at the positive side. I first saw how I was losing weight. I was losing some of the weight that I had gained and wanted
to so earnestly lose. I had so many opportunities to meet people and serve more people. Throughout my time in Vegas, and my time here in this mission, I have grown closer to those around me and my Heavenly Father because of service.
 |
| Umm, probably more dance moves |
When
I first arrived here, I wanted to be anywhere, but here. I didn't want to serve in the capacity that I did. But, as time has gone on, I have changed that perspective. I have learned that it doesn't matter how I serve, all that matters is that I serve.
This
concept applies to everyone. You don't have to be religious or a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to serve others. Serve out of a sincere desire to just love others. Don't compare your service to other people and compare your accomplishments.
You will never be good enough if you compare your successes to those around you. We are not going to achieve the same as everyone else. We will do things that others can't do and others will do things that you can't.
 |
| I guess I was posing for some reason |
You
will find so much more joy in doing things for others when you do it for the right reason. As you discover what you can do and you tell yourself that you can do it, then you will do it. Remember that you must first believe in yourself. Serve yourself by believing
in yourself. You can't expect to go out and love and serve others if you don't love and serve yourself. Say nice things to yourself and lift yourself up. Don't talk negatively about everything you do.
As
you will come to do this, you will have such an exceedingly strong joy that you will feel better all the time. Look for ways to serve. Go out of your way to see how you can help those around you. Find opportunities. It doesn't mean you have to go and sign
up for a service project, just find something your family members or maybe your neighbor needs help on. Look for small ways to help. You can serve yourself, those around you and God in ways that you would have never imagined, until you actually do it.
I
hope each of you are able to find ways to serve and love others. Have a great week everyone! Enjoy these screenshots I took from videos of us playing dodgeball in morning exercise. I laughed at myself the whole entire time. Not with myself, but at myself.
Yes, I made fun of myself. Haha.
