I sat in Relief Society today and felt a sigh of well....relief. I had just finished playing A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief as the "music appreciation" number and I was glad it was over. I've been playing piano for 20 years and I still get extremely nervous but that's beside the point.
On the row in front of me, a clipboard was being passed down the line. On it, was an almost full list of sisters willing to have the missionaries over for dinner throughout the next three months. I have to say, I think there has only been one time since Erik and I have been married that I signed my name on that line. Typically, I pretend to read what it is for and then casually pass it along. This time was different. I sat behind watching as the number of open spaces got smaller and smaller until there was only one left. The list was passed to the woman next to me and I watched as she wrote her name on the last open line.
With my parents serving a mission in Bermuda, I feel a certain closeness to the ward missionaries even though I sadly can't even recall their names. I surprised myself when as the last line was filled in, I felt dissapointed. A somber feeling came over me as I realized my eagerness to serve would now be benefited by no one. When I got home from church, I immediately called the contact person listed on the sign up sheet and told him that if there were ever any time that the missionaries needed a dinner, to give me a call and I would happily provide one. Oddly enough, I am anxiously awaiting the time I receive a call from him.
I am so grateful that as my parents serve the wonderful people in Bermuda, I also get to reap the benefits of their hardwork and dedication to the Lord. Little by little their faith, testimonies, and willingness to serve rubs off on me and I am eternally grateful. Through their example, I have gained a greater desire to serve and emerse myself in the gospel.
I know many more opportunities will come my way and I hope I continue to have the burning desire to serve. Thankfully, I know two missionaries that will save a night on their calendar for me, but unfortunately I have to wait another nine months. To my benefit, my parents will probably have many open lines on their list of needed dinner appointments and I guess that makes me the lucky one because I will be able to serve them any time I wish.
3 comments:
I feel the same way. I love having the missionaries over. I feel like thier families would be happy to know that they are developing relationships with ward members while serving just as I am happy when mom and dad are taken care of in Bermuda. I can't wait until we have their welcome home dinner!
I remember being told in the MTC almost five years ago that our families would be blessed by us serving a mission. That, in itself, is a good enough reason to sacrifice our time and money. Thank you for your desire to serve others and for all the help you are giving us.
I still get nervous about playing the piano too!
One week in church (in Dec.) we had an emergency sign-up sheet to feed the missionaries. No one signs up in our ward as it is mostly elderly single ladies or young couples with a newborn so I decided I would. I was so excited and I was planning this GREAT menu and looking forward to talking with the missionaries. Then, they called the night before and said they were only available at 4:00. I don't get off work until 4:00 plus I had a faculty meeting so I had to stay late. I was disappointed. Luckily, Pat was done early so he fixed them chicken noodle soup without the chicken...so, noodle soup! You loved that story huh?
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