This month’s message is on how we must bleed service to one another. It has to be part of our nature, our very DNA. As Pres. Monson said in last month’s First Presidency message (Aug 2012):

“All who have studied mathematics know what a common denominator is. For Latter-day Saints, there is a common denominator that binds us together. That common denominator is the individual call each of us receives to fill assignments in God’s kingdom here upon the earth.”

We all have callings—every single one of us. If it’s not one that came from the Bishop, it is one that comes from the Lord. We have to remember that we are here on earth to fulfill the covenants we made in the Pre-earth life. Others depend on our faithfulness to achieve that end. We have probably made covenants with those we visit teach.

But, let’s be honest, how much are we caught up in our own world? How often do we complain, because our needs aren’t being met (so why should I do anything for her)? How does envy, stress, distance, selfishness, and apathy get in the way of our duty, obligation, and desire to serve?

Visiting teaching is an opportunity, and a blessing, to do simple acts of service on a small, manageable scale. It isn’t hard to make that call and visit with your sister. It isn’t that difficult to start up a conversation. Simply asking, “What was the best part of your week?” should carry the conversation for a while. What IS hard is cutting through the surface and getting down deep into your sister’s life. That is where you will find the best ways to serve your sister.

If you go visiting teaching every quarter, or maybe just twice a year, sitting next to her and conversing is going to keep you distant–never quite being close enough to make a difference in her life. Commit today—right this minute—that you will call, visit, and connect with her once a month, no matter what. As you make those visits and learn more about her, you will begin to hear of her struggles, successes, desires, needs, etc. Listen for ways to serve. Open your heart and connect. Be trustworthy, generous with your listening ear, and eager to go the extra mile when an opportunity opens up.

Chances are the sisters that you visit, including your companion, have many of the same struggles, successes, desires, needs, etc. that you have. Because you are a small group, get together and serve one another. Plan a day to complete those goals you keep putting off. Take turns at one another’s homes. Challenge one another, then compare notes of achievement. Share, help, and build-up one another.

Sadly, the history section is going by way of the black hole. So, here is a part of Relief Society history that may give you some ideas.

“The United States government established many relief programs to try to turn the tide on the economic crisis. For a time, the Relief Society Social Service Department worked with these community agencies to serve needy families, but needs grew beyond the capacity of the department to handle. One worker in the department saw her caseload grow from 78 families in 1929 to more than 700 in 1934.

“The Church appreciated the efforts of government agencies. [President Louise] Robison said that the United States government was “doing a wonderful thing” in helping people in need. However, she joined with priesthood leaders in saying that Church members needed to continue to foster fundamental values of self-sufficiency. She said: “For ninety-three years Relief Society has been saying that we take care of our needy ones. I wonder if we are leaving it too much to the Government now.”  (Daughters in My Kingdom, p. 72-79)

Chances are pretty good that your sisters are struggling financially, or maybe not as self-sufficient as they would like to be. Maybe they are struggling spiritually, or just need to stay busy so they don’t sit and stew over family problems. A visiting teacher can assess the real problem better than anyone and provide a way for the sister’s true needs to be fulfilled, and involve her in the best way to help herself.

I don’t know about you, but I think it’s much more fun to do things together in small-to-midsize groups. There is always a lot of laughter, the work gets done easily, it feels good to accomplish something, and my friendships become everlasting. So, here is a short list of ideas you might like to try with those you visit teach. At first, this can be done with 3-5 people, but hey, if others see you having fun, and getting things done, let that number grow. Or invite them to get their visiting teaching route going on their own list of activities.

• Home Canning—trade off kitchens, and be sure to help clean up afterward.
• Go to the Cannery together—you always get to bring one of what you canned, packaged, etc. home free, or purchase boxes of it.

• Sew—teach, mend clothes, sew clothes for yourselves, the Humanitarian Center, or various groups; or  quilt.

• Cook—Make freezer meals together. Offer the first batch to needy families in your ward or nearby organizations. Divide the rest up amongst yourselves.

• Study Group—Pick a Church book, Conference Report, Daughters in My Kingdom, or Lesson Manual, to read and study chapters out of. Take your time. Learn the gospel better together.
• Personal History Writing—Check out my lesson plans and hone your writing skills together.
• Joy School—Start an activity school for children, elderly parents, self; wherever your life is right now.

Not very many of us sew, knit, play the piano, or cook anymore. Spend time teaching one another these skills. Learn new skills together. In our economically challenged day only good can come out of this. Friendship is a glorious icing to go on the cake.

Note: These ideas may take the place of a visit, but if they were in addition to your monthly visit, think how much fun your visits would become as you talk about the fun you have together. And don’t forget, you need to feel the Spirit with one another. That is the truest gift of service.