little house

Sometimes things go wrong. We've all had those times when we've felt like we must be walking around with some kind of target on our back inviting universal forces to teach us a lesson we won't soon forget. Right? Please tell me I'm not the only one who feels this way sometimes.

The last couple of months could have felt that way. There have been heaping helpings of hard moments over here. But there has been something so real and tangible standing between me and overwhelming despair.

I know Heavenly Father loves me.

Me, a stay-at-home mom. Me, a housewife. Me, with no career, no college degree, no salable skill. Me, of imperfect faith, and even less perfect obedience. Me, who takes for granted the many blessings He has showered on me and my family.

I know Heavenly Father loves me because His children here on earth, my spirit siblings, have made sure I know it. They have served and supported me.

I was talking to my lovely cousin-in-law Cody in the Springtime. She was at the tail end of months of physical pain and limitation, during which time she and her family were made somewhat dependant on the service and thoughtfulness of friends and family. She taught me something that experience taught her - to act in service whenever the thought comes.

She and I shared a tendancy to talk ourselves out of service. I don't want to embarass ________. I don't know if this will really help ________. What if _________ doesn't want or need my help? What if it's not a good time? I don't know ________ well enough to know what they need.

I say these things to myself so often when I think of doing something for someone. After talking with Cody I resolved to do better. And I didn't.

But now, after being served in so many meaningful ways, I am again trying to resolve to serve more. To think of other's needs before my own. To bear witness to others, in word and in deed, that Heavenly Father loves them, too.


Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Matthew 25:4