Gratitude Post #11 - Service

I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to serve. Whether it is helping someone move, dropping a dinner off to a friend for no reason, visiting with "more mature" family members, fulfilling my church calling to the best of my abilities, helping at the school, smiling at a stranger, babysitting for friends, singing at something, visiting a sick friend in the hospital, or helping someone with a craft or home improvement project. There are so many opportunities to serve and take a minute to think of and brighten someone elses day and your own in return! Last year we started a tradition with the 8-11 year olds in our neighborhood. The girls go out and deliver papers explaining what we are doing. And the next week the cub scouts went out and collected food people had left on their porches. (BTW, we have incredible support from this and our neighbors are so generous!) Last year, we were able to feed local families an entire Thanksgiving meal (including the turkey) for over 8 families. This year, we collected enough to feed 15-20 families for over a week! It also helps the kids catch the spirit of service and I can honestly say, they did it with a smile. If you truly want to get your own personal struggles out of your head, finding an opportunity to serve will definitely turn your frown upside down and I am grateful for those moments in my life!
*About 20% of the canned food collected in 2009 by the 8 - 11 year olds!

*Passing out flyers for the Smiles for Suzi Benefit Concert

*Babysitting Winter

*Helping my Grandparents move out of the home they had lived in for 52 years!