“We thank thee, O God, for a prophet . . .” Come on, sing along with me . . . “to guide us in these latter days . . .”
Man, it’s so easy to take for granted the HUGE blessing of knowing that our Heavenly Father has a spokesperson on earth that He has called as a prophet, seer, and revelator. And when I study President Monson’s words, I’m often humbled that God’s most important message to us is not some great mystery of the gospel, but a gentle call to be more like His Son. Such is the case in President Thomas S. Monson’s conference talk, “What Have I Done For Someone Today?”
“Those who live only for themselves eventually shrivel up and figuratively lose their lives, while those who lose themselves in service to others grow and flourish—and in effect save their lives.”
“We become so caught up in the busyness of our lives. . . too often we spend most of our time taking care of the things which do not really matter much at all in the grand scheme of things, neglecting those more important causes.”
“That service to which all of us have been called is the service of the Lord Jesus Christ. As He enlists us to His cause, He invites us to draw close to Him.”
You can read his talk here, or watch it, or listen to it. (Learn about GCBC here.) He gives examples of simple service that are evidence of hearts that love the Lord.
What have YOU done for someone today (I bet you’ll find it’s much more than you give yourself credit for.)? And in answering his challenge to give more time to things that matter, what pastime can you give up today or this week to make room for an act of kindness?
Diapers and Divinity 
I can’t wait until tomorrow to share this with my family. We have scripture study at dinner ( I can’t get them all seated and quiet any other time) but on Mondays we do a Conference talk and this one is one that we have been needing in our family.
I have really been trying to remember his words every day. To be able to serve others is truly a great blessings.
I love President Monson and am looking forward to hearing him again in a few weeks. We truly are blessed to know he truly is the Prophet.
For me has been this week being a more patient mom… Which is in and og itself a hard one for me at any time, but currently getting ready for a new baby and moving, would seem even harder. But somehow I am enjoying these moments and my little ones more and have been able to see their sweet faces and in their eyes their greatness, love and potential. It’s really not a lot I have done…. But more a tender mercy as I pray to get ready for the day. I can give up some idle time in the computer to play one more game of checkers with them and one more walk outside riding their scooters. Oh the joy in their faces, when mom is not too tired for that.
I was thinking about this same idea yesterday. Just before Sacrament Meeting started, a friend sat down in the row behind us and gave my shoulder a squeeze and said hi. I’ve had a rough week and to have her acknowledge my presence with that simple gesture meant a lot to me. It also made me think what sort of simple things I could do to make a difference in someone else’s life.
I meant to stop by a while ago and thank you for commenting on my financial MMB post, but I’m a little behind.
I started the “conference cover to cover” challenge. So I am reading the conference issue cover to cover.
I love it.
I loved when he said “We are the Lord’s hands here upon the earth, with the mandate to serve and lift His children. He is dependent on each of us.” I think that I may frame it and put it beside my bed, to help me to give more service to others.
I like all the parts you guys picked out of the talk and how it can apply to us in so many ways. Personally, I love the whole concept that a life without service “shrivels” up. It’s so true that when I focus too much on myself and my own “needs,” my life starts to implode. I make my happiness too dependent on others meeting my needs in some way. But when my focus is on others, I feel myself letting that go and being glad for what I have. It’s a true gospel principle, the whole lose yourself/find yourself thing.
I totally agree with you, Stephanie. Now if I could just remember that in the everyday little choices… I loved, as always, the scripture in Matthew: “For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink…naked, and ye clothed me…” I wonder how often I fail to see that when I serve my children, I am really doing these things! Why do I often feel that I have to be serving the homeless out on the street for my service to “count”? (Of course, it is good to do that too.) But I need to feel the Lord’s love and acceptance of my service even when it is all I can do to put three meals on the table and do a little laundry. I believe He values these small, endless, unsung acts too – maybe most of all.
I’ve been thinking lately about how I need to teach my children to look beyond themselves and serve others. I’ve been planning on getting our own “warm fuzzy” jar. I think that I will make that a priority and get that done this week.
It would be wonderful for us to share at dinner what we have done for someone else at dinner too.
Thank you for doing this – I’ve never re-read so many conference talks and I have really felt the spirit through reading them.