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Count Your Many Blessings

And you think you have it hard?

There is always someone out there that shows us how blessed we are, hence service is so important, because it is only when we serve do we find out these 'little' things:

"When you find yourselves a little gloomy, look around you and find
somebody that is in a worse plight than yourself; go to him and find
out what the trouble is, then try to remove it with the wisdom which
the Lord bestows upon you; and the first thing you know, your gloom
is gone, you feel light, the Spirit of the Lord is upon you, and everything
seems illuminated."

(Lorenzo Snow, in Conference Report, Apr. 1899, 2-3)

Blessings Your Count

I have absolutely found this to be true. I know that when I was at my lowest, I reached out to someone in a similar situation. I think hers was actually a bit worse than mine. Well, in comforting her, I found comfort. I couldn't tell her things would be o.k. without coming to believe it myself as well.

For me, it isn't so much about seeing someone else worse off than I am that helps me feel better. It is more, that when I find myself reminding someone who is having a difficult time, of the love our Heavenly Father has for us, I am reminding myself as well.

Service really is the best medicine.

Edited: tenaheff on 12th Feb, 2004 - 3:13pm

Count Your Many Blessings Studies Doctrine Mormon

This is so true! And beyond just when we are thinking we have it bad -- doing service for others on a regular basis is really a strength to us. That's something I actually pray for -- to recognize when someone may be in need, and when I can be of service or help someone. Because it isn't always obvious. I also try to use the Spirit when I see people out asking for cash donations -- is it something they really need, is it on the level, or are they just scamming? I can usually tell if I'm crying by the time I get my wallet out.....

Roz

Blessings Your Count

When I have been at my lowest, and struggling to get out of the PityMe syndrome, that is when I will get a call by someone from Church to help with something. To drive an inactive sister to the Dr., or to help clean someones home who is ill.

Just recently my 29 year old nephew died. His death is still under investigation, and I haven't heard the cause of death. I am okay with that, Thank God that I have a strong testimony of the plan of salvation, and I KNOW that he is with all the Grandma's and Grandpa's and that he is being taught the gospel. But what put me into a pityme attitude was that there was no way I could get to Seattle to be with my brother and sister-in-law, to hold them and tell them how much I hurt for them.

The day after I heard of my nephews death I got a call from one of the brethren asking me to run the Blood Drive at church. I didn't even think, I just blurted out YES I will.

Afterwards I wondered why I did do that? I wanted to go to Seattle, I wanted to ask the Church for the money for a bus ride so I could go. Well, "We" know just who did the answering now don't we? Being in charge of this blood drive is exactly what Heavenly Father wanted me to do.

Also, on the wednesday before he died, I got a job. I have been unemployed for almost 5 months, and then this job literally drops in my lap.

Boy oh Boy, am I blessed! Every day He showers me with blessings. He comforts me, He answers my prayers even before I ask, He blesses my family.

Just a little foot note. My brother has been inactive for nearly 40 years. He has never been against the church, he just refuses to pay tithing thus he can not receive the higher priesthood, thus he will not come to church. I recently found out that his Home Teachers have been faithfully visiting him for 28 years! The memorial for his son was held at the Church, and the obituary that he wrote praises God and thanks Heavenly Father for giving them Arnie.
Yep, I am blessed, and so is my family.

Blessings Your Count

I love that quote, Mormon! I have practiced that truth before and it has been a wonderful principle. With all of those suffering in southern Asia, it is just breaking my heart to not go over there and help them. We did fast for them on Sunday and contribute financially like the first presidency asked us to, but it sure doesn't feel like near enough. I may not have much in possessions and material things, but I am so rich in the things that are important. I do wish, though, that there wasn't anyone who had things worse off than I do, just because I hate to know that my brothers and sisters are out there struggling. Thanks again for the quote, and I also appreciated comments from tenahoff, farseer, and AGene.

Count Your Many Blessings

So I guess I've been the answer to a lot of peoples suffering. They look at me and see how bad I have it and they are cured.

Seriously though, this concept is true. My wife has a tendency to exaggerate our trials and starts feeling we have it worse than anyone else. She was put in the Relief Society Presidency a few years ago and had her eyes opened a little. One tragedy after another to sisters in our ward that she has been involved with. Some of which she would not have been aware of except for her calling. It helped her to look at others more realistically and see everyone has problems.