Occasionally I get into a funk where I know exactly what I should be doing in my life, but I feel a little bit too lazy to do it. I try hard to have realistic expectations for myself, so I’m not referring to to-do lists. I’m talking about the basics: Reading my scriptures, praying, serving my family with the right kind of attitude and fulfilling my role as the kind of mother I know the Lord wants me to be. Some days I feel worn down– and just lazy, I guess– and I rationalize that I need a break. I only feel like doing stuff I want to do, not the stuff I should do (which is obviously self-defeating because I’m denying myself the very blessings I need to get back on track).
Clark is 6. Last night he taught our family home evening lesson about service. He bore his testimony at the end of his lesson:
“So if you know you should do service, but you really don’t want to because you just don’t feel like doing service even if someone tells you to, you still have to do it. Because service equals love.”
And that’s when the Holy Ghost reminded me of a lesson I learned earlier this year: When I struggle, I need to pray to love what the Lord loves. When I see the love, I see the joy.
We discussed the service we do for each other in our family, and Clark said that “if Mom was gone from our family, that would be horrible. I would starve to death.” He told us all to draw a picture of service and then we showed them to each other. This is what my husband drew:
He said (pointing to the right side), “This is mommy putting socks in the washing machine,” and (then pointing to the left) “This is Jesus washing the feet of his disciples.” The kids all giggled at his artwork, but I understood what he meant, and I love him for it.
“Follow me, and do the things which ye have seen me do.” (3 Nephi 31:12)
“Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” (Matthew 25:40)
So, Clark pretty much got it right, didn’t he? Service equals love.
Diapers and Divinity 
That is so poignant. (however you spell it) really. So much wisdom. He is awesome, but it also a reflection of what you have been emphazing in your own life, and the example you have set. The have been paying attention haven’t they? I think you are the kind of Mother you want to be. I think you are doing it. There is nothing wrong with desiring to be better,and striving, but seeing what you allready are…I see it…and so does Clark.
I love his artwork.
I think that by serving others it actually generates love. I think that’s how Heavenly Father loves all His children, is because He serves them constantly.
I’m so very glad you gave us an explanation of your husband’s picture. Had you left us to figure it out on our own, I would have thought he drew a picture of himself, getting his feet rubbed by one of the kids, while you do all the housework. Which, you know, isn’t near as compelling as the Savior washing the feet of his disciples.
Lovely lesson and excellent reminder. And what a sweet son you must have. I love it when my kids teach. 🙂
Just linked to you in my own post… you can let Clark know how much his sweet words helped my perspective this morning.
This morning in my prayers this is exactly some of the things I discussed with Heavenly Father. A thought came to me and I am going to role with it, but it won’t happen for another few weeks. Thank you, Clark I have tears of joy in my eyes at this moment. I love it because I mostly feel the spirit when children share heart felt testimony and remind me of simple truths.
Way to Go Clark!!!!
Great lesson! And, did you know?–The topic for Sharing Time this month, so now if he’s asked to speak, he has a talk ready, complete with illustrations. Very sweet.
What a great lesson. I should’ve been at your FHE. : )
Service really does equal love. I know that when I stop feeling sorry for myself, I find motherhood to be quite enjoyable. Even when they cry and whine and do all the other awesome things they do at times.
That is beautiful and profound. What a wonderful lesson to learn. Out of the mouths of babes, right? It is so easy to get into that funk, and so very hard to get out of it. That is why we have our children to teach us and lead the way, right?
Aw, that is really nice…Never thought of doing laundry (socks) as washing feet! 🙂 Nice parallel…
Your husband’s picture made me cry. And so did Clark’s lesson.
Beautiful moments.
I don’t think we give kids credit like we should for being as smart as they are. I definitely think that kids are great at taking things back to the basics when it comes to doing things right. 🙂
What a great lesson! I love the picture your husband drew. Good man.
That is just the cutest thing ever!
This is such powerful stuff! Out of the mouths of babes…
I’m dying over that drawing…that he actually captured that parallel.
I am renewed.
I saw the drawing before I read the post, and at first thought it was you shut up in the laundry room while your husband was getting a foot massage in the next room.
Either way, I guess it says the same thing!
Service = love.
I’ve been so self-absorbed lately and I know this is the solution. Service. So now I’m trying to graduate from serving, to serving with a happy heart. Baby steps, but they’re moving in the right direction.
Thank you for sharing that beautiful lesson. Love it all. The drawing is awesome.
Tears. Beautiful.