A Great Idea …
“When we focus primarily on ourselves, our view of the world is narrow and limited. As we turn more energy and attention to helping others, the meaning and satisfaction of our own lives expand. There are countless places and ways we can serve others.” (Family Life Professors, H. Wallace Goddard and James P. Marshall, in their publication The Personal Journey)
In Other Words …
Life is packed with surprises and contradictions. In order to find ourselves, we must often lose ourselves. In order to gain, we must often give. In order to be happy, we must see to the happiness of others.
How this Applies to You …
Look around you. What can you do right now-or soon-to help someone?
To Find Out More …
For more great ideas (or to share your ideas), check out our Navigating Life’s Journey blog
For excellent (and free!) programs on improving your personal well being, check out The Personal Journey and Managing Stress at www.arfamilies.org.
For more information, we recommend Positivity by Barbara L. Fredrickson or Authentic Happiness by Martin E. P. Seligman.
Dr. Wally,
Thank you for sharing the subject about serving others in order to find ourselves. I have been intrigued by this subject for a few decades after discovering the topic as stated in Mark 8:35 along with similar passages in Matt., John, & Luke.
A loving Father in Heaven shares eternal principles that unlock the blessings of heaven which are counter to the methods of the adversary who promotes getting gain through theft, coercion, and guile. This concept also relates to the counsel in Malachi about opening the windows of Heaven through voluntary tithes and offerings. Of course, a celestial level of service is to serve others because we love the Lord without regard to the rewards.
A while back I encountered a mother obsessed with serving others with a narrow interpretation. She was comfortable with her service being confined to her own family. This devoted mother was reluctant to accept timely Church assignments since serving her family took most of her time. The inference was that later when her children were reared she would be willing to serve in the type of calling that was under discussion. This sister further inferred that in this day and time the Church is encouraging members to put “family first” and she is following the counsel of the brethren.
I did attempt to persuade a more generous attitude in serving all of Heavenly Father’s children but perceived that she was unconvinced.
Since that time I have started collecting evidences to support both service in the home and other of Heavenly Father’s children. I would appreciate hearing other thoughts on this increasing trend.