This last Saturday I had the opportunity to help an older family in my ward with some of the final steps in their move to a new house. The missionaries and I helped move all of the stuff contained in his sheds, so that he could decide what to keep and what to sell.
The work was a lot of fun for me. I was able to talk with the missionaries about my writing passion, learn a little about the family, and I found some neat things while carrying the stuff up to the main house.
It was hard work, but we made it fun. We were using a wagon and a wheel barrow to drag the boxes up the hill. The boxes were balanced precariously atop one another, so we had to use bungee cables for the wheel barrow and me for the wagon.
The reason we had such a great time was our attitude. Attitude is important when serving others. If you're there just because you have to be, you don't bring the right spirit to the task. Lightening others burdens should uplift us as much as it helps the person we serve.
I know of two examples from the scriptures that help illustrate the attitude we should have when we render service. The first is the example of the Savior in washing the disciples feet. In John 13 we learn that during the Last Supper, Christ, "began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded." (v. 5) To Peter's initial protests, the Savior taught that that we ought to serve one another, following his example. Christ added, " If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them." (v. 17) I believe that the happiness that comes with serving others should begin while we are rendering service. It starts with the attitude we bring with us.
When we go only to accrue service hours for some personal tally, or because we are being forced to, we drive away the spirit. This extends to any act intended to show charity or compassion. If we give money to a charitable foundation purely for the purposes of a tax exemption, it isn't charity. When we give our time only to have another thing to put on a college resume then it's not service. We must go into it with a willing heart.
Sometimes it's hard. My experience occurred on a pleasant day in late April. For me it's hard to keep a willing attitude when I'm trudging through two feet of snow. I'm not saying that the right attitude will make it easy, but it can help you to understand why you are there, and it can help deepen your own personal happiness.
The second example from the scriptures comes from King Benjamin. While explaining to his people why he gave a lifetime of service, he said the following, "I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God." (Mosiah 2:17) I think King Benjamin told his people these this to help them understand the attitude that we should bring to service. We cannot learn how to fulfill the first great commandment of loving God until we master the second of learning to love our neighbor.
Attitude is important and as we go through our lives, regardless of our task. Without it, we lose perspective, and with it the happiness and spirit that accompanies service.
