The Weekend Project.
Sometimes in life you are challenged to do a little extra good in the world. This weekend was one of those times. My MCOM professor (and the reason for the creation of this blog) encouraged us to buy a coke for a stranger this weekend. Although I didn't quite stick to that criteria, I feel that I fulfilled the purpose of the assignment in another way. On Saturday morning I received a phone call from one of my best childhood friends. She began crying on the line as she explained to me that her father had been suddenly diagnosed with liver cancer and was told he only had a few weeks left. Thankfully, she and her husband just live a few blocks away and I was able to go to her apartment and cry it out with her. On my way over, I decided to pick up a few things for her. Because we have been friends for so long, I know that she doesn't eat when she is super sad or stressed - so I bought her a cinnamon roll from the Provo Bakery (the one food I know she cannot resist). I also know that she thinks sunflowers are the brightest and happiest flower - so I picked up a bundle at Smith's to add a little light to her life. I also know that she will be crying for a long time - so I purchased lotion tissues to hopefully prevent tissue rash.
When I got to her house she was thankful for the things that I had brought with me. However, she was most thankful that I was there. I believe that this teaches a powerful lesson about service in friendship. Sometimes the most meaningful service you can offer isn't found in the material goods you provide, rather it comes to fruition when you show up to help in whatever capacity is needed. While the donut, flowers, and tissues were a nice touch, the service she needed from me was a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on. I am thankful that I was able to spend the time to cry, laugh, and cry with her.
Through this experience I know that God has placed each of us in the lives of those around us to do good. He knows each of His children, what they are struggling with, and what they need. He asks us to help His children in the ways that we can - no matter how insignificant our efforts may seem. This can be hard because society dictates that service is about grand efforts with big, apparent results. Of course these acts of service are not bad things and are often just the service that is needed! However, we should let the spirit dictate what type of service we do and not just be swayed by what the perception of our offerings will be.
As a closing challenge to this challenge, I suggest we shy away from worldly service and focus on Godly service by listening to what is truly needed and doing it. Take it or leave it.
As Always,
Alesha
When I got to her house she was thankful for the things that I had brought with me. However, she was most thankful that I was there. I believe that this teaches a powerful lesson about service in friendship. Sometimes the most meaningful service you can offer isn't found in the material goods you provide, rather it comes to fruition when you show up to help in whatever capacity is needed. While the donut, flowers, and tissues were a nice touch, the service she needed from me was a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on. I am thankful that I was able to spend the time to cry, laugh, and cry with her.
Through this experience I know that God has placed each of us in the lives of those around us to do good. He knows each of His children, what they are struggling with, and what they need. He asks us to help His children in the ways that we can - no matter how insignificant our efforts may seem. This can be hard because society dictates that service is about grand efforts with big, apparent results. Of course these acts of service are not bad things and are often just the service that is needed! However, we should let the spirit dictate what type of service we do and not just be swayed by what the perception of our offerings will be.
As a closing challenge to this challenge, I suggest we shy away from worldly service and focus on Godly service by listening to what is truly needed and doing it. Take it or leave it.
As Always,
Alesha
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