So, when I first watched this video, I hadn't made it to the end of the movie, my thought was her plate is getting really full and how is she going to get everything done? Another was man she needs a break for herself and she should of used the baby sitter anyways and to go and do something. I watched the end and remembered the talk given by Pres. Hinckley, but I still missed the true message that was trying to be conveyed. (The video clip kept on pausing and I would have to restart it too)
I watched the movie again with Kyle and we talked about it afterwards and I realized that I had missed what mattered most. This movie was not meant to show 1. a full plate, 2. she should say no to something, and 3. you don't get time for yourself because we should serve whenever we're presented with the chance.
I remembered this story that was given from a conference talk..
A young couple, Lisa and John, moved into a new neighborhood. One morning while they were eating breakfast, Lisa looked out the window and watched her next-door neighbor hanging out her wash.
“That laundry’s not clean!” Lisa exclaimed. “Our neighbor doesn’t know how to get clothes clean!”
John looked on but remained silent.
Every time her neighbor would hang her wash to dry, Lisa would make the same comments.
A few weeks later Lisa was surprised to glance out her window and see a nice, clean wash hanging in her neighbor’s yard. She said to her husband, “Look, John—she’s finally learned how to wash correctly! I wonder how she did it.”
John replied, “Well, dear, I have the answer for you. You’ll be interested to know that I got up early this morning and washed our windows!”(President Monson Oct. 2010 Charity Never Faileth)Sometimes we get caught up in our own perception of things and we don't catch the true message that is being communicated, we need to clean our windows so we can see/understand what is real intent of the message. The message being conveyed was this...
"We all worry about our performance. We all wish we could do better. But unfortunately we do not realize, we do not often see the results that come of what we do.
You never know. You never know whether you do any good. You never know how much good you do.” (Pres. Hinckley, Oct. 2003, To the Women of the Church)
I went and skimmed through the talk and found this gem too.
Now, my dear sisters, that is the way with you. You are doing the best you can, and that best results in good to yourself and to others. Do not nag yourself with a sense of failure. Get on your knees and ask for the blessings of the Lord; then stand on your feet and do what you are asked to do. Then leave the matter in the hands of the Lord. You will discover that you have accomplished something beyond price.
When I went to the Ogden Temple Rededication I was thinking more about this video and the service that she provided for her neighbors and sister. I started to reflect on this past year and a half and memories of how others have done acts like this sister for me.
When Elaine was born I had a friend/neighbor who would come and see if Warren could go play at their house or take him to the park, I would then take a nap while Logan and Elaine were sleeping. I called her to watch the children once when we moved too.
When my dad broke his femur, Kyle was in North Dakota and my friend, a nurse, who just happened to take care of my dad that day at the hospital called me and asked me that if I wanted to she would come and watch my children so I could keep my mom company while my dad was in surgery. Wow.
Kyle was in North Dakota for my birthday, the Relief Society President from our ward dropped off some magazines and some goodies for my. My mother-in-law and sister-in-law came down and brought me some yogurt and fruit other goodies for my birthday. Then a friend who didn't know Kyle was away brought by these most delicious scones.
When we moved my sister-in-law who was up for the holiday and helped us clean our apt.
When we miscarried earlier this year my mother-in-law came down and made us some freezer meals. Neighbors brought meals, my family who lives out of state one sent flowers, another ordered dinner for us, and the phone calls that I received from them. A sister-in-law, 36wks +pregnant, drove her sick children in the van and brought us some cookies. This same sister-in-law has watched the children several other times this year when we have had dr. appointments and once when I wanted to go running to get ready for the 1/2 marathon we ran.
During the summer when Warren was playing smart start baseball my very busy brother came to help out and either helped play with Warren or watch Elaine.
A neighbor, with 2 month old watched Warren so I could take the double stroller with Elaine and Logan to get ready for the race.
A friend who watched the children while I went to the temple that was such a blessing.
I was collecting baby jars for an activity for primary a few friends spent a week gathering them for me. We had just enough.
This summer when Warren and Logan had swimming lessons several friends helped out and watched Elaine so I could be in the water with Logan.
My mother-in-law again who watched the children when Kyle and I were participated in a 1/2 marathon in August.
My parents who watch the children too sometimes on a moments notice and my dad who's gone on a few late night coupling trips etc. My brothers who call to check on me and I know that there are prayers said in our behalf too.
I know that there are other things that have happened this year where others despite their busy schedules and to do lists have blessed my life and my families. I am grateful for family, friends, and even strangers that have reached out and taken time even if it is a smile to bless and touch my life those acts though they may seem small have been great blessings and are the things that I'll treasure for the rest of my life. Thank you. Thank you. You do more than you know!
