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Toward the end of last week’s New Year’s Resolution, I said the following: Quote:My initial resolution this month is to recognize the non-monetary needs of the poor (including the non-monetarily poor) and share more readily what I have that will alleviate their poverty.
This has been an interesting week, for a number of reasons I want to share in this post:
1) I was able to give blessings to a couple of people who really needed to hear what was said to each of them in the blessings they received. Most of the blessings I have given in my life have ended up being basic blessings of comfort and general counsel, while a handful have been true, undeniable revelatory experiences. The blessings this week fit the latter category, since they included things I had no intention of saying when I opened my mouth and addressed aspects or their past, present and future lives that were not within my natural power to understand.
I have realized since the blessings that, in a very real and important way, those blessings were an opportunity to share what I have with those who are poor in that regard – whose lives do not allow them the richness of the Spirit that is available in moments when Heaven opens and God speaks to and through his children. I hope they feel spiritually richer than they did prior to receiving those blessings, and I hope those blessings give them sustenance in a real and powerful way.
2) I have had the opportunity in my job as a college admission counselor to talk with a number of students not just about the college I represent but also about education in general – and those opportunities, more than has been normal, have included some very direct giving of advice and counsel that I general don’t verbalize when I meet with students. It wasn’t anything that I went into those discussions intending to share, but I found myself doing to naturally and incisively in a way that I can’t help but feel is related directly to my resolution this month – since I believe each case was an example of sharing something that was needed by those who were “information poor”.
3) It has hit me harder than ever that I can choose to share things I have learned from my professional past in what I do now with those who lack the experiences I have had – or I can choose to withhold that help and focus instead on injustices and inequalities. I have found myself being more open about my perceptions of needed change, but I also have found myself doing so in a manner that I hope is productive and has a chance to be effective – to help those who are “professionally poor”. Nothing objective has changed about the situations that are impacted by this new focus – except my own attitude and what my changed attitude has allowed me to do.
What struck me as a result of this epiphany is that, to a degree, I had been blaming others for my unhappiness and difficulty, while now I realize that much of that unhappiness can disappear as I work to serve despite the difficulty. I am grateful for that epiphany, even though it is not new or unique in any way.
Ray, thank you for your posting. You said,
Quote:1) I was able to give blessings to a couple of people who really needed to hear what was said to each of them in the blessings they received. Most of the blessings I have given in my life have ended up being basic blessings of comfort and general counsel, while a handful have been true, undeniable revelatory experiences.
Are you talking about “hands on” Priesthood blessing? Can you explain further?
I recently retired in Jan 2011. I’m trying to figure out what I could do with my time.
I’ve looked into a number organizations to do volunteer work. Nothing has really peaked my interest.
Plus, alot of organization would prefer money instead of another volunteer.
Friends who have already retired advise me to wait a year, then determine where you want to invest your time & effort.
I’m thinking of maybe volunteering more a Church. My problem is I want to do it anonymously.
I have told my Bishop that I don’t like the idea of going through an interview, go before the membership, having them sustain you, being set apart, etc. Can’t they just ask me to wash the windows in the chapel, etc & let me do it? The Bishop said no, that’s not the way we do it. I don’t want this to sound like I’m being critical.
I’m sure there are other opportunities too. Salvation Army, etc.
I hope I’m not off topic.
Mike from Milton.
Your Bishop is wrong, Mike, if he means “The Church” doesn’t do it that way. The CHI is crystal clear that many things can be done through assignment outside of traditional callings. I recently was asked to be a substitute-teacher-on-call for the HP Group – by assignment instead of as a calling, and cleaning tasks absolutely fall in that category. If your Bishop means that’s not how it’s done in your ward right now while he is the Bishop . . . that’s a different story. In that case, I would continue to look at outside organizations where you can serve.
Ray, I’m saying that is his preference for now. He would like me to have a formal calling so it would be more permanent. Plus, He probably thinks that I would be more committed. My point was that we should be able to do service work without a formal calling. My preference is to be more anonymous when ever possible.
I hope that makes sense.
Mike from Milton.
I agree with you, Mike. I wish we could get over the idea that everyone needs a calling (and one that is inspired and directed by revelation) – when even the wording from the top leadership is “a responsibility”. To me, that means nothing more than “something to do” – and there is SO much that can be done outside the formal calling structure.
Mike- I’ve thought about your post all night. My opinion hasn’t changed. Point of view often helps. The Bishop looks at the ward and his job and sees needs to be filled. Filling those needs are important to keep the ward moving along. Whether a calling is truly inspired or just a good match, it helps.
Anonymous service is always good. Is it possible for you to be at peace with a standard calling and still be able to do anonymous service. There are no requirements against doing that. The Bishop can know from calling you and you accepting that things are covered. While you can fulfill your desire. There is no reason in my mind to choose one or the othe
I agree with mom3 – as long as the proposed calling isn’t one that you simply can’t do at the moment. Notice, I said “can’t do” – not “don’t want to do”. There is an important difference. Either way, find something you really want to do outside the Church and do it. That, to me, is true charitable service – the kind that’s not “commanded” or “compelled” in any way.
Your postings have given me alot to think about. In my Induction, I said the following:
Quote:It is my relationship with God that I have a hard time understanding.Iam like a spoilded child that when things don’t go the way I think they should, I throw a tantrom, stomp my feet & hold my breath until I turn blue
. This attitude seems to cover all of the spirtual understandings lately. Including my ideas about service, calls, etc.
I want to break free of this spoiled child.
I visited my youngest son & his family a couple of weeks ago. My wife had to stay home.
My son, daughter-in-law & (2) grand children live in the Nauvoo Stake.
They took me to Nauvoo because the city was having a Halloween parade & party for the kids.
I haven’t been to Nauvoo since the ’70’s. (Before my sons were born.)
We went around the Temple. I just marveled at this building & the sculptures outside.
I know there are issues with Church history, doctrines, etc. I don’t care.
But, I want to be in a postion to go inside a temple again.
I feel a new years resolution coming on. (maybe)
You “guys” are generating alot of thoughts & emotions.
It’s time for bed. Good night.
Mike from Milton.
Mike, I just sent you a private message.
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