Giving Roses

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A Lesson on Service (for Relief Society)

"I just wanted to share an experience I had yesterday.  I am the Homemaking Counselor and it was my turn to give the 1st week lesson.  A lady on my homemaking committee gave me an idea a couple of months ago for a lesson.  I thought I would try it and see how the ladies responded.

I picked my topic as service.  I bought a dozen roses (or get flowers from your--or someone else's--yard).  I first gave a 5-10 min. discussion on service.  Then I asked the ladies to think about what service had been done for them and if they felt comfortable, I would like them to share it with the group.  Then they were to give a rose to the sister who did the service for them.

I was really nervous because I was concerned the ladies would not respond.  So I said my prayer before I left for church asking that the spirit would touch the sisters so they would want to participate.

I started my lesson and everyone was very attentive.  I got to the part where I wanted the sisters to participate and I shared my experience first.  Then it was non-stop.  The ladies even asked for more roses.  Some gave the one they received away to someone else.

It was a beautiful way to start the year.  Many of the sisters came up to me afterwards and thanked me for the opportunity to share their feelings and thank those that helped them through hard times.  There was even a sister visiting her mother and she got up and gave her mother a rose.  It was a touching experience.

If any of you have an opportunity to do something like this, do it.  Your RS sisters will be closer together.

I know the Lord answered my prayer and I am very grateful for the experience." 

Shared by Gayle Blackham