Helping Hands

Every year, our church hosts a local service project called “Helping Hands” that we try to participate in.  Last year it was cleaning up the Watsonville Slough.  They even provided those little garbage clamps so the kids and adults could pick up garbage without bending over (which was a relief because I was prego with Jonas and had Lillian in the tummy pack).  This year we helped out with a project for the City of Gilroy painting fences, cutting back bushes, cleaning up garbage, etc.   Jocelyn was a good hard worker and loved painting the brick wall, Lilly kept whining to a minimum and Jonas was a pretty good sport despite a long hot day in the tummy pack. They even had these jerseys for all of us to wear to designate us as workers.

 I got emotional just being there and being a part of something bigger, even though I probably wasn’t a huge help with my three sidekicks.  At least Jared put in some good hard work while I was taking potty and nursing breaks for the kids!

I love service and I think it’s so valuable for our children to see us taking part in it, no matter what the form.  When I was in college I was able to participate in service all the time and I miss that.  I have to remind myself that I am serving my family every day, and helping out people through service opportunities at church. 

 A quote that really speaks to this and a quote I have loved for years is: “Service changes people. It refines, purifies, gives a finer perspective, and brings out the best in each one of us. It gets us looking outward instead of inward. It prompts us to consider others’ needs ahead of our own. Righteous service is the expression of true charity, such as the Savior showed.” Derek Cuthbert