Wrapped in Love

"It is by serving that we learn to serve. When we are engaged in the
service of our fellowmen, not only do our deeds assist them, but we put our own
problems in a fresher perspective. When we concern ourselves more with others,
there is less time to be concerned with ourselves! In the midst of the miracle
of serving, there is the promise of Jesus that by losing ourselves, we find
ourselves!"
-Spencer W. Kimball

Do you ever wonder how you can use your talents and abilities to serve the greater good? I must say that my mother has been a great inspiration to me of forgetting herself and putting her abilities towards something greater than a simple project. For over a year now, my mom has organized quilting to benefit those less fortunate. Every week for months at a time, she allows women to come into her home, open-house style, and work on quilts that are sent to those who can't afford one on their own. She knows a family who has adopted a village in Peru. Look at their beautiful little village on the mountain. Many of the quilts were sent vaccuum packed into luggage to give to these sweet people. Look at how happy they are to receive these soft quilts. Many of the people didn't own a quilt or blanket to help them keep warm. Can you imagine not having a blanket to wrap around your new baby? Currently, they are working on another batch of quilts. Not only is quilting day a great time for women to get together and socialize, but it's a great way to give of yourself for the benefit of others. How can each of us challenge ourselves to give of our talents and abilities for the service of others?

"May we ponder carefully, deeply, and prayerfully our roles in life, where we can give the greatest service, to whom we can make the greatest contribution, what we should do with our lives and with our special skills and training. Our success will be measured by what we can give of our lives and our contribution to others rather than what we can get and receive from others.
"The happy and abundant life begins from within and then moves outward to other individuals and to our communities. If there is richness and righteousness in us, then we can make a difference in the lives of others and in our towns, just as key individuals have influenced the lives of each of us for good and made us richer than we otherwise would have been."

-Spencer W. Kimball