Because I Have Been Given Much, I Too Must Give

Some Thoughts on Service

"Happiness cannot come from without. It must come from within. It is not what we see and touch or that which others do for us which makes us happy; it is that which we think and feel and do, first for the other fellow and then for ourselves." -Helen Keller

"Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth. " - Muhammad Ali

"It is one of the most beautiful compensations of life, that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

"True happiness comes only by making others happy- the practical application of the Savior's doctrine of losing one's life to gain it. In short, the Christmas spirit is the Christ spirit, that makes our hearts glow in brotherly love and friendship and prompts us to kind deeds of service." -David O. McKay


I am amazed at the generosity of people, especially this time of year. This Saturday, our stake had a huge Humanitarian Service Day. I am grateful for my calling to be on the Service Council, or else I am sad to say I probably wouldn't have gone. It was cold and snowy and the temptation to stay in my warm bed would have been strong, or to work on final projects or homework that may have seemed more important. But early in the morning, many members of our stake poured into the Smith Field House anxious to serve. There were many tables set up with various projects to work on. It was so fun! The station we were over was the Humanitarian kits, you can see boxes behind us filled with kits the members of our ward and stake put together. It was so exciting to see the enthusiasm of everyone serving. I couldn't help but smile as I looked around at the hundreds of people gathered together to serve. Its true, when your burden is heavy, just get up and serve someone else and your burden will be lifted!