Sunflowers and a Lesson on Service

I have a friend who is going through some tough trials right now. I have been out of town for a few weeks, so when I got back I decided to go visit her to see how she was doing. I thought I'd take her flowers that day, but then I got a text from her that morning telling me she had, had seizures the night before and was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor that morning. it was devastating. She was with doctors all day that day, so I decided to go see her the next day. It was raining, and before we left I told the kids what was going on and that we were going to visit my friend who was sick and take her some flowers. We read a story from the 'Friend' that just so happened to talk about the same thing we were about to do, and the boys recognized it. Zander said, "Hey! That's what we're going to do!" We're going to serve your friend who is sick and we get to play with her kids." Smart boy.

I loaded up the kids to pick up a few groceries that we needed and get the flowers. But as I looked at the flowers as we walked through the door I thought to myself,  "I wish I could do more than take flowers." I thought about this as I was taking things off the shelf and placing them in my cart then a light bulb went off in my head: buy her groceries! I got all excited and told the kids what the plan was so they helped put things in the cart for my friend and her family. The last item we pick up were the flowers; a bouquet of big, bright sunflowers. We payed, loaded up the car, and headed to her house.

I wasn't planning on staying too long; we ended up staying for an hour and half, but it was good to chat with her and see what else she needed in way of help around her house. She was surprised to see us along with all the kids with an armful of groceries. As we left her house the boys asked if we could go back and visit her again soon.

We went along with the rest of our day. In the late afternoon despite the rain the kids wanted to play outside, so I obliged. They rode their bikes and climbed the tree then asked if I'd play soccer with them. We got soaking wet but had a good time playing; the boys didn't want to stop, but I needed to get dinner going.

Every night as I tuck the boys into bed I ask them what their favorite part of their day was. Tonight I was sure the answer was going to be "Playing soccer outside with you", but instead they both told me "Going to visit your friend." What a tender moment that was for me. I hope I can be a good example of service for my kids. Service is something that is very important to me and something that our savior taught us to do most of all.