today i learned a story about a little boy.
only about 10 or 11.
every day while riding the bus to and from school he writes down a list of all the chores he needs to do.
once he arrives home, he works hard to accomplish the list.
he's only about 10 or 11.
and not one, but both of his parents have cancer.
he's the only one that has the physical means to help get everything done around the house.
when i was about 10 or 11, i was concerned about learning the dance moves to bye, bye, bye by nsync, begging my mom to buy me about every shade of blue, sparkly nail polish, or rushing off to soccer practice. when i was about 10 or 11, i did not sit on the school bus making a chore list. i sat and talked about my elementary school crush, or played my mary-kate and ashley detective video game on my lime green gameboy.
when i was 10 or 11, life was rather simple, easy, and happy.
this little boy and his family live in the community. i don't personally know them. but i hope to soon. this is just one family, in one very small community. which reminds me of how many people there are all around us going through trials far worse than we can imagine.
a quote by spencer w. kimball comes to mind:
"god does notice us, and he watches over us. but it is usually through another person that he meets our needs. therefore, it is vital that we serve each other in the kingdom."
i've always been such a strong advocate of service because through small acts of service from others and myself serving others, my life was saved. too often i become so consumed with the small things of the world. learning about this little boy, only about 10 or 11, reminded me of my small role here on this earth.
to serve and to love.
with warmth & love,
lo
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