“No one has learned the meaning of living until he has surrendered his ego to the service of his fellow man. Service to others is akin to duty, the fulfillment of which brings true joy.” – President Thomas S. Monson

In numerous conference talks, we are constantly reminded about how we can find lasting happiness through service. Indeed, it is true. When we serve, a warm feeling envelops us; it’s an unexplainable happy feeling that can only be attained by losing ourselves in service. By lending another a hand, the giver, as well, receives blessings in their life. But from the perspective of the receiver, what’s the impact of an act of service?

Ever since I was a little child, I have been blessed because someone chose to serve. Even now, it helps me to know that Heavenly Father is mindful of me when someone unexpectedly gives service. Reflecting upon my life, I have realized the blessings I enjoy because someone else decided to serve.

I was blessed because someone decided to knock on my grandparents’ door.

When missionary work was practically new in the area where my father’s family lived, and everyone there was a true-blue Catholic, two missionaries knocked on my grandparents’ door. They were not baptized at that time but their visits planted seeds in the heart of my father.

I was blessed because someone shared the gospel with my father.

When my father was in college, he developed a strong friendship with his Latter-day Saint classmate. This friend’s disposition was different from the rest; it was something that always made my father curious. This friend later shared the gospel with him. My father received the answers to his life’s questions. Because of this friend’s example and his willingness to share the gospel, my father became a member of the Church.

I was blessed because my father served a mission

Despite my grandparents’ initial disapproval, my father decided to serve a mission. It was one of the best decisions he ever made, not only for him or for us, but also for generations to come. His two-year service strengthened his faith and testimony, something that we always looked up to.

I was blessed because my parents decided to sacrifice and marry in the temple

Our life has been blessed because two young single adults decided to get married in the temple, no matter how far it was or how scarce their resources were. My parents’ decision to get married for time and all eternity proved to us that indeed “sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven.” It is always a great comfort to know that we are sealed as a family, and that we will be together for time and all eternity.

I was blessed because my parents-in-law were dedicated and raised my husband well.

Now that I am married, every time I look at my husband and see his dedication to his role as a husband and father, I can’t help but feel extremely grateful for my parents-in-law for raising such a fine young man. My husband belongs to a large family of nine children. The challenges of raising a family as big as that are never easy, but I am blessed because they took the time to teach and raise him well.

I was blessed because my husband served a mission.

Our little family is also blessed because of my husband’s decision to serve a mission. His two-year experience continually fuels his desire to serve in his calling, and to give help to those around him. In my Patriarchal blessing, I have been promised that the power of the Priesthood will be my refuge in times of greatest need. I am grateful to see the fulfillment of that promise in him.

I was blessed because of random acts of service around me.

When I became a mother, I realized how important the little acts of service we give to others are. There have been moments of exhaustion that led me to kneel down and ask for help from the Father. Indeed, the assurance that “heaven itself sends angels to watch over you and your little ones” is true. Every now and then, a kind person has offered to help watch Eli so I could do my other chores. Without me saying anything, an inspired person would know the right things to say. Carrying the challenging role of new motherhood has become bearable; I am blessed by the random acts of service from people around me.

 

I am continually blessed because of Christ’s atonement.

Last but not the least, I am continually and eternally blessed because Christ has suffered and died for me. Because of Christ’s atonement, my family and I know where to turn to in times of greatest trial. Because of Christ’s atonement, we enjoy the blessing of knowing the purpose of family and life. Because of Christ’s atonement, there is no end. I am forever grateful for Jesus Christ’s atoning sacrifice for me.
It is true that we can’t always see the results of our simple acts of service. We can’t always see the effect it has on the lives of the people we serve. Even though we don’t always see the big picture, let us continue to serve, let us be more sensitive to spiritual promptings; let us offer help, no matter how small it is. May we follow the Savior’s example of continuous service because we may not know how the help we give now may change a person’s life.