Sunday, July 31, 2011

Service.

Wow!  It has been a while since I have updated.  It isn't because I don't want to, or because I don't have anything to say.  Believe me, I always have something to say.  I have just been so busy with school and with getting ready for the school year to start, that I haven't actually taken the time to sit down and write.

Today in my Sunday School class, the lesson was on Service.  The feeling you get from helping someone else with no expectations in return is pretty great.  As I pondered the lesson, I thought of a feeling that is even greater than serving others.  What is it?  Well, I think the most satisfaction I have ever had from the gift of service is when I witness my own children doing it.  Watching them give freely of their time and helping others is a feeling like no other.

A couple of weeks ago my son was driving by a girl who was stranded on the side of the road.  She had her hood up and was standing there looking lost.  He stopped and asked her if she needed help.  At first she said she didn't.  He asked her if she was sure that she didn't need help.  Well, come to find out this girl had just moved here from out of state.  She is getting ready to start college and doesn't know anyone in town.  She had run out of gas and did not have anyone she could call for help.  She also did not have any money to put gas in her tank.  My son took her and used his own money to fill her tank.  As they were standing there filling the tank, the girl started to cry.  She said that the following day was her birthday and that this was the best birthday gift that she could ever hope for.  She was touched by my son's generosity and by the fact that he was willing to help a stranger.

My son has no expectations for repayment of the gas.  He just sincerely wanted to help someone who was in a bind and needed help.  This isn't the first time he has done something like this.  As a mom, when you see your children do unselfish things and give the gift of service whether it be to someone they know and love, or to a complete stranger, it makes you stop and think that maybe, just maybe somewhere along the way you have done something right as their mother.