Lighting the World with Christlike Service

As the Christmas season approaches, I have chosen to the Light the World activity sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You can find more info on this Christ centered Christmas activity here: https://www.comeuntochrist.org/light-the-world

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Today the activity prompt is to think of someone who has/is an example of Christ-like service and mention them in some kind of social media platform. My cousin mentioned my mom. She is right. My mom is one of the most selfless people I know. She is serving others cheerfully non-stop. She is matched with the selflessness of my dad. He too, will drop anyone to plow snow, give rides, build houses, fall trees, and even save lives of others.

This past weekend I was able to celebrate is two of my other service heroes. One of best friends, my sista-from-an-udder-mudder, Had the most exciting event in the sealing of her beautiful Fia to the love of her life, Hoko. Winter storms couldn’t keep me from celebrating this miracle. But these two beautiful women are also a huge inspiration for me in regards to service.

Fia gave up school, a job, and her own life plans to help her dad through a health crisis. While her mom worked to help support their family, Fia was on the side lines – at the football games and in the hospital rooms – supporting her dad through some of the hardest days and through the joyful moments. Her serve and sacrifice not only helped her dad – one of the coolest people I know – it helped her mom who was sick with worry, overworked, and sleep deprived.

Her mom, and true angel on this earth, serves non-stop. Need a meal? Jo has one for you. Need supplies for a class? Jo will find it for you. Need someone to clean your house? Jo will there with cleaning supplies in hand. Gone on a mission and unable to help with your son’s wedding? Jo has you covered! Need help packing? Jo will bring boxes and have you packed in no time. I have seen this wonderful woman give when she, herself, was sick, moving, and single-parenting due to jobs across the country to a family with one parent at home who was sick and needing to move. She worked for hours at one house to return to her own house and start again.

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I would also like to give a shout out to my sister Carol who works day in and day out to help the downtrodden. She works for a company that helps the homeless rise above their situation with a meal, a job, skill development and the like. She works super hard to make a difference in this world and to give hope to those who have lost hope.

So there is is… I couldn’t really pick just one example of Christlike serve. I had to do more. And the problem is, there are so many more I could mention… my friend Jeff who gives to students not only the knowledge that he teaches them, but the courage they need and sometimes, even a roof over their heads… my daughter and her husband who give selfless serve daily as the chose to adopt a child with disability… a different daughter who overcomes her own self doubt to help others with the skills she is developing… my daughter who works nearly every day at her sister’s house and then will often stay late to help her sister with dishes… my son who is so kind with those with challenges and disabilities – it is so fun to watch him with our grand son… my daughter who gives rides to others and helps people who are sad at school (I heard her checking on a friend in the hall at school today), and who goes out of her way to help all kids feel like they have a friend… my husband who gives up his own comforts to provide for our family both with an income and with little chores around the house. In fact, I see Christlike serve all around me every day. I am so thankful for their examples.