"I think that when I was in my early 20s, I knew, innately, that I wasn’t living an important life. I think that I hadn’t so much lost my way, but I hadn’t found my way. I wasn’t giving very much. My life was not really benefiting anyone. That just doesn’t feel good."
It doesn't really matter who said this {although it happens to be a quote from Angelina Jolie, who I deeply respect}; it matters more what she said. It touched me. We said see you later to Mike's little brother this morning, who is heading off to Argentina to volunteer for our church for 2 years. He's dedicating 24 months to serving other people. Missionaries always amaze me. Dave is a really cool kid with a ton of potential- it tells quite a bit about his character {and of my other family members who have served/are serving missions} that he is willing to put life on hold while he does this. It is absolutely selfless. The same goes for people who join the Peace Corps, volunteer in soup kitchens, teach Sunday School, pick up litter, or even those who give up their seat on a crowded subway. When it comes down to it, a life without service, a life without purpose, a life without looking out for your fellow man, isn't really a meaningful life. If I go to work every day, go to the gym, make dinner, keep reading a book a week... what purpose does this have if it is not supplemented by things that mean more?
It doesn't really matter who said this {although it happens to be a quote from Angelina Jolie, who I deeply respect}; it matters more what she said. It touched me. We said see you later to Mike's little brother this morning, who is heading off to Argentina to volunteer for our church for 2 years. He's dedicating 24 months to serving other people. Missionaries always amaze me. Dave is a really cool kid with a ton of potential- it tells quite a bit about his character {and of my other family members who have served/are serving missions} that he is willing to put life on hold while he does this. It is absolutely selfless. The same goes for people who join the Peace Corps, volunteer in soup kitchens, teach Sunday School, pick up litter, or even those who give up their seat on a crowded subway. When it comes down to it, a life without service, a life without purpose, a life without looking out for your fellow man, isn't really a meaningful life. If I go to work every day, go to the gym, make dinner, keep reading a book a week... what purpose does this have if it is not supplemented by things that mean more?
3 comments:
So true. Sometimes I feel like I am not doing enough, but do you count serving your husband as service and going outside yourself? I do! It is something that brings me happiness, and I know he feels the same way about serving me. Writing on your blog is service to your family in helping them keep in touch with you also ;-) I am so thankful for church callings too because they help remind me to serve even outside my family which is a great opportunity.
I probably needed to hear something like this today. Thanks Kathryn.
True, so true. I love living a life that feels like it has integrity, and that means, living like I say I believe I should live. I have always loved serving, but what I really seek now is serving outside of my comfort zone - when and how I might not naturally do it. Service that stretches us is a great thing. Working on the activities committe in our Ward is a tiny, almost insignificant example for me. I feel years beyond doing such things, but in July we are inviting all the people in the community to our new building for a Family Fun Fair - complete with bouncy blow up toys, a BBQ, a live band etc. We're trying to show our
neighbors who we really are, in a friendly and open way. I hope my efforts are enough to make a difference.
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