Serve

Today is very special Sabbath for me, that is the reason why I want to write it down.

Last week was such an roller coaster ride like, and it happened so fast and sudden and it was church related matters over the WhatsApp group chat. Long story short, Alvin was so upset and felt offended, he left the group chat and told me that he wanted to release from his calling as a EQ President of the branch.

We did face some financial constraints lately, and both of us are thinking of ways to earn the extra and at the same time, save more for both children future education fees and family holidays.

Alvin’s job load too really tough I guess especially after their annual management meeting early this year, his department have more to contribute as he is heading the projects operation department. He sorts of unable to cope with the church works at the same time.

Actually since end of last year our family barely joined the church Saturday activities as we felt tired. Alvin said, he felt as the church leaders were thinking of that he did not attend, and felt the pressure as he was unable to do his calling. Thus, it was just burst out like that last week during the church WhatsApp group chat.

Deep down I know that it is not the wise move to do as long as we try our very best to do our calling, the Lord would help us. Both of us had quarrel a bit for this issue the day before, as he does not agree with me. His point is : if he can not do it, it is the best that let someone whom is a good leader as they think lead the EQ instead of he is not able to cope with it.

Our conversation just stopped there...

This morning our family went to church as usual, but I do not few ease at all. Alvin would only attend Sacrament Meeting only, after which he would be going to his job site. The children and I would still stay for the 2nd and 3rd hour as I will teach Sharing Time to the older children.

I was so happened bounce to President Tolman during the way up after taken my hand phone I left in the car before the Sacrament Meeting started. He still remembered our family.

I do not know why my heart felt so sorrowful and sad during singing the Sacrament Hymn, my tears rolling down. I felt sad as I was thinking how can we be together forever if our heart, mind, soul do not unite as a family that suppose to be, as what Heavenly Father wants us to be?

I went out to the restroom after partake my sacrament, washed my face and made myself look fresh then only went back to the Sacrament Hall. There was Branch business need to be conducted as a new convert need to be confirmed. Alvin was refused to join the Priesthood whom to be confirmed.

After the Sacrament Meeting he left to job site. I was teaching the Sharing Time. Our branch have the linger longer this noon, but I really do not have much appetite at all. Both kids did eat a little bit.

We were home and so happened that he was just reached home too. Quickly, I was preparing our meals – Yong Tau Foo. It took me almost 2 hours to get ready the meals and we had a simple meals with the white rice and the radish carrot soup. After which both Alvin and I went to Summit USJ to pick up Issac’s laptop.

I noticed a copy of a Conference Talk in my handbag. It is the talk given by Elder Carl B. Cook of the Seventy. The title is “Serve”. It was the Relief Society lessons during our Subang Jaya Branch visit last January Sunday.

Frankly, I was not so keen and thought much into this talk during last October General Conference, because I know that ‘To Serve’ is what we supposed to do as a disciple of Jesus Christ, and I was struggling to do better in my visiting teaching.

I felt so touched and so much and was thinking that, may be there is something I need to take and read about before my bedtime. especially we are facing the challenges of our own calling.

I was indeed inspired by what the talk was about. All these time, I did not think of to serve is just want the blessings from the Lord. I just know that it is important to teach the children well as I believe that to teach the children love God, and they will not go astray if they grow up in the gospel. It is important because I am the mother of two, and I knew it.

I really love the encouragement Elder Cook for the Saints that are in the struggling of our own callings or service in the church.

 

“ Serving Is a Blessing

The opportunity to serve is one of the great blessings of membership in the Church. The Lord has said, “If thou lovest me thou shalt serve me,” and we serve Him by serving others.

As we serve, we draw closer to God. We come to know Him in ways that we otherwise might not. Our faith in Him increases. Our problems are put into perspective. Life becomes more satisfying. Our love for others increases, as well as our desire to serve. Through this blessed process, we become more like God, and we are better prepared to return to Him.

As President Marion G. Romney taught: “Service is not something we endure on this earth so we can earn the right to live in the celestial kingdom. Service is the very fibre of which an exalted life in the celestial kingdom is made.”

 

Serving Can Be Challenging

Serving in the Church, however, can be challenging if we are asked to do something that frightens us, if we grow weary of serving, or if we are called to do something that we do not initially find appealing.

Even if we think that our Church calling was simply our priesthood leader’s idea or that it came to us because no one else would accept it, we will be blessed as we serve. But when we recognize God’s hand in our calling and serve with all our hearts, additional power comes into our service, and we become true servants of Jesus Christ.

 

Serving Requires Faith

The natural man or woman in all of us is inclined to allow us to excuse ourselves from serving for reasons such as “I am not ready to serve; I have more to learn,” “I’m tired and need a break,” “I’m too old—it’s someone else’s turn,” or “I am simply too busy.”

Brothers and sisters, accepting and fulfilling a calling is an act of faith. We can trust in what our prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, repeatedly teaches: “Whom the Lord calls, the Lord qualifies” and “When we are on the Lord’s errand, we are entitled to the Lord’s help.” Whether we are overwhelmed or underwhelmed, whether we are scared to death or bored to death, the Lord wants us to gear down, power up, and serve.

President Gordon B. Hinckley, a previous prophet and President of the Church, said: “We are all in this great endeavour together. … Your obligation is as serious in your sphere of responsibility as is my obligation in my sphere. No calling in this church is small or of little consequence.” Every calling is important.

 

Jesus Christ Is Our Exemplar

Jesus Christ, our great Exemplar, gave His life to His Father’s work. In the Grand Council before this world was organized, Jesus, chosen and anointed from the beginning, volunteered, “Here am I, send me.” In so doing, He literally became the servant of us all. Through Jesus Christ and the power we receive through His Atonement, we can also serve. He will help us.”

 

Serve By Elder Carl B. Cook

October 2016 General Conference