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A while ago I posted a thread regarding my total loss of interest in Church service, or even “putting myself out” for Church service opportunities. Years of forcing myself to do the inconvenient took its toll, unfortunately. The discussion led me to reach out to someone in my Ward — an underpriviledged, older primary aged girl who was fascinated with a stringed instrument I left on our couch when she visited my daughter and her friends on night. I gave her a quick lesson and then she kept coming back to the instrument over and over again that evening, sometimes abandoning the activity she was doing with my daughter and her friends to practice the simple song I showed her.
I saw potential and felt I should just offer music lessons for free to help her experience the joy of music. It took me a while to actually force myself to do it, but I finally took the plunge, fixed up a broken instrument I had around the house, and gave it to her on loan to see how much traction she would get. We’ve had three free lessons now, and each time she comes back having mastered everything I showed her. Apparently she practices every night before bed without being asked to do it. It shows in her playing.
Now, the New Testament says I should be doing this anonymously rather than posting it on a forum like this. Fine, I give up any heavenly blessings as I’m finding this rather rewarding on its own merits. My motive in sharing this is to explain how I managed to kickstart my interest in service again. This time, by simply merging the service opportunity with something I feel truly passionate about — music. Not sure I’ll immediately start moving people or volunteering for Chapel cleaning this week, but this is a start.
So, one strategy for the person who may feel estranged or even resentful from the gospel is to simply go out and serve people on your own terms, with your own talents, giving to members of your Ward, independent of Church programs — just for its own sake. It makes me feel good about being a member of our Ward. I think it’s another strategy for helping people stay connected when mandated Church service causes angst.
I think this is somewhat like Brian’s suggestion that the sooner you can get on a plan of self-governance in the Church, the faster you’ll get enlightenment and heightened commitment.
Cool, and way to go! I’ve been thinking about how I need to put my money where my mouth is, so to speak, and find ways to provide ‘relief’ instead of just complaining about how things aren’t done the way I think they should be done. Finding meaningful opportunities can be a challenge, though, especially anonymous ones. And here I thought you were offering to come start my motorcycle for me. I am really glad you shared what you have done and how it is coming along! What you are doing for that girl is going to really have a long term effect on her in a positive way. I think it is completely awesome! SD, I am just bursting with happiness over this because I have seen what that kind of thing can do for youth. You are doing a great thing for her.
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