I’ve always heard that serving others is the best way to change ourselves. I grew up in a service-oriented home. There are stories beyond stories of times members of my family served those around them. And more often than not, it’s the simple things.
I was thinking about how sometimes we feel like service needs to be a grand gesture. We see videos on social media all the time of grand acts of service. We think, “I can’t ever do something like that. But wouldn’t it be cool?” I know that’s how I feel.
I decided to create a list, A-Z, of simple ways we can serve those around us. It can be a family member, a friend, or even a stranger. Whoever it may be, chances are, it’ll impact you far beyond the few seconds it takes to serve.
Act when prompted
Be a friend
Comfort a friend
Donate old clothes/shoes/books/toys
Eat with someone sitting alone
Find something in common
Give a ride
High-five
Initiate conversation with a stranger
Just be kind
Kneel and pray for someone in need
Love
Make cookies for someone
Note – write one!
Offer half your sandwich
Pay attention to your surroundings
Quench someone’s thirst and buy them a drink
Read to your kids
Smile
Tag a friend in a funny meme post on social media
Unload someone’s groceries with them
Visit a nursing home
Watch a friend’s kids for date night
eXample – be one! (this one was a biiiiiit more difficult)
Yell “I love you”
Zip past to open a door (Z is difficult!)
Some of those letters may have been a bit of a stretch, but as you can see, there are so many simple ways to serve those around us.
I am so grateful for all the times I’ve received service from others and the opportunities I’ve had to serve. Service can change our hearts, bit by bit. Don’t ever think the small things don’t make a difference, because they do.
Lead image from Getty Images
Oakli Wright Van Meter is a blogger, BYU student, and aspiring novelist. Connect with her at wiseoleoak.com