“Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God’s kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile” -Mother Teresa
Recently I listened to the funeral proceedings of a person I greatly admire and respect: Thomas S. Monson. Born during the Great Depression, he was familiar with poverty and grief. Despite their scarcity, he grew up watching his own mother meet the needs of the hungry and homeless in their own home. Through watching her example, Thomas came to understand the power of community and his responsibility within it. In his quiet, simple way, he visited widows and orphans, would lend a listening ear, provided words of encouragement, blessed the sick, and comforted the lonely.
While he was never one to seek the spotlight, he would eventually become a spiritual leader for millions. But even after his transition from a private to a public figure, his focus never changed. Millions were blessed and changed through him, not because of his great wealth or accolades, but because of his service to people – one at a time. Reflecting on his life, his daughter Ann Dibb said, “One of the ways my father really found joy and happiness in this life was by serving others” (Ann M. Dibb, Reflections of my Father, lds.org January 5, 2018). The joy that emanated from his face was always the defining feature that stood out to me as I watched him.
Mother Theresa, another woman whom I greatly admire and respect said: “Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God’s kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile”. Although she did so many physical acts of service to help the poor, she also lifted spirits and strengthened others simply because of her love.
As a little girl I can remember my own mother making bread, and sending me across the street to give a loaf to a neighbor who was a widow. It was almost routine. I did not realize until later that my mother was inviting me from an early age to experience the joy of giving. I never walked away from that experience without feeling happier and better.
What is it about serving others that makes us so happy? It’s difficult to say exactly, but the benefits of serving are almost endless. According to studies, volunteering improves the health, happiness, and in some cases the longevity of volunteers (US News, Why Helping Others Makes us Happy, April 4, 2012). Children who serve are more likely to be adults who serve, even when when the child is unwilling. Jane Allyn Piliavyn, a retired University of Wisconsin sociologist noted in her research that teens who serve, including at risk teens, experience “positive effects on grades, self-concept, and attitudes toward education”. Linda Fried, a professor of public health at Columbia University Medical Center said that as people age, two of the most important factors for their health are staying physically active, and the other is staying socially active. The joy and peace we can feel through service are sweet.
I love the Savior’s beautiful teaching, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matthew 25:39). Although the benefits of serving are great, the ultimate joy comes in knowing that we are doing what Christ would do, and serving another of God’s children. As a mother, I feel great love and appreciation for others who serve my children – teachers, friends, or other parents. Surely that love from God is infinitely greater, when He sees one of his children administering to the needs of another.
As we prepare for Valentine’s Day let us think of love we can offer to others through service: a kind note, a smile, a visit to someone who is lonely or sick. These small acts will not only boost the spirits of those whom we serve, but our own as well. A dear friend of mine has made the goal to serve one person every day this year. I admire this goal, and hope to implement it in my own life.
Is it any wonder a loving God invites us to serve others? His ultimate joy is in our happiness. A scripture I am helping my two little boys to memorize is John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life”. God is the ultimate example of service as He gave us everything that we have, even His own Son so that we could experience peace and happiness in our lives and in eternity.
Invitation: This year and especially during this season of love, I am committing myself to find ways to serve others daily (with my children at my side) – to lift someone else’s heavy load, and to bless the life of another. Will you join us?
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