“Need 2 men (1 with a truck) to pick up donation from Costco and take to the EVMC mens shelter.[sic]” Any other month and I would have certainly ignored this text. I had ignored it when is was sent months before.
As September ended, I ended my #Unsabbatical. It was a little bittersweet honestly. While I am glad I don’t have to feel obligated to say “yes” to everything, I am fearful that I might be less willing to help in the future. As it stands right now I have still said yes to everything I have been asked and I want to make sure I continually have that same fire. I do not want to miss experiences like I had a few weeks ago.
I responded to our Elder’s Quorum Secretary’s text that I would help. I spent about 60 seconds debating if there were any loopholes to get me out of it, but spent the other 60 sending my response. As the day approached I even secretly wished the person with the truck would fall through and I’d be off the hook.
But Brother Hawks did not falter. He picked me up and we loaded a few donations, drove to the East Valley Men’s Center, and unloaded outside. There wasn’t any fanfare, no poor and needy thanking us for our generosity, and no tear filled salutations as we departed. Just a simple delivery. Of course, we don’t serve for the praise of men, but it sure does make us feel good.
The real blessing came with the time I was able to spend with Brother Hawks. We had about 90 minutes of drive time to converse. It was great. We talked about our testimonies, things we struggled with, love for our wives, and told stories from our lives. I even gained insights into my Patriarchal Blessing that I had never supposed.
It was a great teaching moment for me. I realized that sometimes we are asked to serve to bless others, but most often we are asked to serve to bless ourselves. I think back to the bonds of brotherhood established during my mission. What caused those relationships to be so strong was that we were serving together. Shakespeare says it well from Henry V.
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother; be he ne’er so vile,
This day shall gentle his condition;
And gentlemen in England now-a-bed
Shall think themselves accurs’d they were not here,
And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
That fought with us upon Saint Crispin’s day.
That is the sentiment we should feel towards our ward and quorum members as we serve together in the army of God. This experience has helped to inspire me to do something new every 30 Days to become a better Priesthood Holder, Father, Husband, and son of God.
Great Stake Choir Rehearsal. Need more men though. The man:boy ratio is enough to make an Athenian jealous #unsabbatical #mormon A photo posted by Grady Kerr (@thismormonlife) on
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My Stake Pres said to tear up my old #Temple Recommend if found. Thanks @OurKerrazyAdventure #mormon #unsabbatical A photo posted by Grady Kerr (@thismormonlife) on
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