Charity

Ty turned 3 yrs. old today. It is crazy how fast time is flying by. I will be able to celebrate his birthday with him and Hallie tomorrow and I am looking forward to every second of it. My kids are my angels and they mean the world to me. I wouldn't be able to make it through this trial without my kids. But I also feel that I wouldn't be able to make it without the amazing friends that I have. There have been some unexpected people come into my life that have shown me love that I hope I can possess someday. They are filled with Christ's love and they are people who put others before themselves. They have been an example to me of what true friendship is and I am very grateful for that. So I want to talk a little bit about how they have affected my life and how I need to strive to put other people before myself, no matter the trial I am going through.

Today in sunday school we talked about the Sermon on the Mount. In so many of the Savior's teachings we learn about loving others, charity, service, and selflessness. We learn that we can find the purest joy through helping others. As I continue down the path of repentance and change I am continually amazed at the examples from people around me who possess these qualities. People who have come into my life and shown me what the pure love of Christ is all about. People who are able to look at my situation, look at my mistakes, and love me for who I am and who I can be. I am truly grateful for these people. I thank the Lord for them every day.

These friends have helped me realize how I can find happiness through helping others regardless of my current trial. President Monson has always preached that no matter the trial or difficulty we face, we can find joy through serving others. It is amazing how much peace can come to you when you set aside your own struggles and focus on other people. Even the most simple acts of kindness can bring great spiritual rewards. We are all children of God and we are all created in his image. We are all literal brothers and sisters. No wonder there is such a deep spiritual connection when we offer service to others. We are helping "family". No wonder the Lord tells us to love one another. We are all in this fight together. We can have profound impacts on each others lives through something as simple as saying hello, giving a hug, offering to help, going out of your way, listening to someone, praying for others, and the list goes on. I say this because I have FELT the impact of these simple acts in my life. I know what is like to have someone come up to you and shake your hand, look you in the eye, and say hello. Something that simple has meant the world to me. And I know that as I share other people's burdens, or look for opportunities to help, my burdens can become light.

We have such a great plan laid out in front of us. And I believe that a critical part of that plan is service and helping others. The great plan of happiness would not be if it weren't for this principle. I am going to strive to be better at helping others. I am going to strive to be less selfish. I am going to strive to put others before myself. I am so grateful for the friends and examples in my life. I am grateful for the acts of kindness that I have been blessed with. I know that charity towards others can bring us so much joy no matter the trial we face. I know this to be true.