But then came the hard part of putting my philosophy into a project. I've read the description of the assignment about a million times in the syllabus and I'm still hesitant about what to do.
But this is what I came up with...
I want to make a book of quotations and stories about how love relates to service. I guess almost like the Chicken Soup books. I think I would make it more like a scrapbook kind of thing though, with pictures. In class to present it I would show it to the class and maybe talk about my philosophy, maybe read a story or quotes.
I guess my idea of how it ties together is that I think that sometimes for myself I get too caught up in the world and myself, or I don't know how to help my friends when they are going through something difficult. And I think that the book will help me remember that service is a way to show my love and lend support to my fellow man.
I not only want to include the stories and quotes that everyone has heard but I'd like to interview people that I know personally and include their stories and thoughts on service. Because as I was thinking of the individuals who have helped influence my thoughts and insights, I thought it would be nice to have their ideas in the book too since they were such a big influence.
I'll call it "It's All About Love" or maybe something more clever than that...we'll see
I hope that works. I'm still a bit hesitant as I said but I think this will be a fun way to explore my philosophy on service. Thanks so much for all you do I love the class!
~Alicia M. Reynolds
What you have just read is a project proposal for my Learning Through Service class. And I'd like you to help me. There are no guidelines for the project really so here's what I'd like from you please. Could you write stories, your thoughts or quotes on serving with love. I'd like to focus more on the good end of serving to show your love for others and for God and showing God's love for others.
Here's my first reflection paper for the class. I think it kind of shows my thoughts for the project I think and my philosophy on service. I'll try to shorten it and just put in the most relevant thoughts.
"...What are my reasons for serving? Am I aiming for earthly goals or am I doing it because I feel charity for my fellow man? ...one of the greatest products of service; sharing God’s love. That is something I know many people, including myself, in the world struggle with. So many people just feel lost and alone here in this earthly life. Service is a way of showing people that they are cared for and loved. Now when I serve I try to think of the people I am helping. I think of how I can share God’s love for his children not just with words but with action."
See I shortened that greatly for you. mostly because there was an embarrasing story about my selfishness in there but you can see what I'm getting at here. The best part you're serving me by helping me out!
2 comments:
Well... my favorite quote is this:
"Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves" (James Matthew Barrie)
But that doesn't exactly fit your needs perfectly... So here is my story:
Service based on love has an amazing result - increased love! And I don't mean that others' love of you will increase. Let me illustrate:
I love my friends. This comes as no surprise because if I didn't, then surely they wouldn't be considered my friends. I have found that as I want to show my love for them (surprises, nice notes, helping out with a hard task, doing something I know they need but won't ask for, etc...), my love for them actually GROWS.
Case in point: For my fiancee's birthday (sorry I know, sappy love story!), I wanted to do something sweet and memorable, but I didn't have very much money. I thought up an elaborate scheme to leave him 22 notes in various locations throughout his day. (He was turning 22.) As I put for the effort to make 22 cards and think of 22 unique and wonderful things about the man I already love, I realized more and more what and amazing person he is and how special it is to have him in my life. As I sneaked around town and delivered notes to people and place I knew he would come across, the excitement grew, along with the anticipation and butterflies. On occasion, I'd be in position to secretly see him find a note and the happiness that was written all over his face brought TONS of happiness into my own life.
I think that's what service is all about - learning to love others and learning to be happy with and for others as they find happiness in their own lives.
Alicia,
This assignment is quite an undertaking, charity is not an easy topic to discuss and deal justice to, but I will share a few things that are very meaningful to me with the hope that it will be beneficial to you.
On my mission we often encountered people who seemed so hopeless and hardly worth anyone’s time. It would have been too easy to pass them by and forget all about them, but by striving to love them we found some very choice souls. By looking past the weaknesses of others and reaching out to bless them we will also be blessed. Some of these people can become lifelong friends.
Another key quality of charity is the ability to find joy in the success and achievements of other people. Would it be easier to find joy in life, if the success of others made you happy? That is why charity is impossible to have without humility. We can find peace and joy by seeking the happiness of other people.
The greatest example of charity is Jesus Christ. When I think of the meaning of “the pure love of Christ” my mind goes to the crucifixion. After being beaten and nailed to hang on the cross, Christ prayed, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." It is such a comfort to know that Christ loves us with a perfect love and will forgive us of our sins.
I have tried to learn how we can develop this great attribute. We must pray with all our energy of soul to be filled with love. There is also a great lesson in Alma's words to his son: “See that ye bridle all your passions, that ye may be filled with love.” Using our agency to develop self mastery gives us a greater sense of our self worth, blesses us with confidence, and fills us with love towards others. One of the greatest ways to develop self-discipline is through fasting.
It is interesting that this love depends on so many other things: agency, humility, self-mastery, faith, and obedience, to name just a few.
Thank you for this opportunity and good luck with your assignment. You seem to have already been blessed with this attribute in being patient with others and in seeking their wellbeing. Let me know if you have any questions, I am happy to help. -Josh
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