This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Sunday Morning Session of the April 2012 Conference.
You always know I'm going to like a Julie B. Beck talk! I thought this was an interesting statement to think about:
Relief Society is a way of life for Latter-day Saint women, and its influence extends far beyond a Sunday class or a social gathering. It follows the pattern of female disciples who served with the Lord Jesus Christ and His Apostles in His ancient Church.
Relief Society is a way of life for Latter-day Saint women. Is it? I tried to think if this is true for women I know. For my mom? Yes. I can't imagine her ever not ministering to a sick neighbor or giving rides to a widow who doesn't like to drive. She doesn't have to have an assignment, she just does it—instinctively, it seems to me. For my current ministering sisters? Yes. When they visit me, they exude "Relief Society" vibes—happy to help with anything, ready to step with relief in at a moment's notice. We aren't best friends (yet! give us a couple more years though…) but I have no doubt they would be there the minute I called in a crisis. For my friend Rozy? Yes. When she came by to visit, within half an hour she was reading to my children and letting them drag her around to see all their toys. So yes. I think for all these women, it's completely true that giving love, relief, and service to others has just become part of who they are.
When I think about myself, or other women my own age, I'm not as sure. I don't know if I give off such effortless "Relief Society" energy as do these other women I admire. I definitely aspire to have it be a way of life for me, and I'm willing, but I don't know if I've learned the habits of service as well as they have, and I don't think I give it as gracefully as they do! Maybe it becomes more engrained in you as the years pass, until by the end of your life it really is woven through your whole soul. However, I already have friends my own age who, though they don't seem the quintessential "Relief Society lady" of my imagination (maybe these imaginary ladies must always be older than me because I'll never feel like I'm one of the old and wise ones!), do seem to be constantly serving in the church, helping in their communities, finding ways to use their talents for good, and generally letting their lights shine wherever they go. They may not have settled quite into their mothers' roles. (I think most of us still look with awe at our mothers!) But they are already disciples of Christ.
And I guess that's the real pattern Sister Beck is talking about. We should always be growing and improving as disciples. Having Relief Society as a way of life means learning as a way of life, service as a a way of life, progress as a way of life. No matter where we are right now, our membership in Relief Society can help us become even more like Jesus—and to bless others along the way.
You are so kind to include me with the wonderful RS ladies. I enjoyed my visit with your children so very much! I think I'm part of sort of a transition generation in RS. My mother and grandmothers attended RS during the week, were homemakers not career women, and served in ways that isn't so common now. I remember going with the grandma to the hospital a lot and sitting in the car playing while she visited someone. I regularly went visiting teaching with her. (This was while my dad was in school and my mom worked. We lived in my grandparent's basement for a while.) I was so looking forward to following in those women's footstep, but while I was serving as a missionary the program changed to Sunday only and I never got to experience the old RS. At the same time, late 70's early 80's women left home in droves to work resulting in even less time to devote to RS and service. Some women do really well at it, and some never seem to catch the vision of it. When I was raising my family and homeschooling I worried that I wasn't doing enough too. But I heard general conference talks that told me that serving your own family is indeed service in the Lord's kingdom and probably the most important service while teachable children are still at home. I am amazed at all you describe in your blog, and felt so welcome and loved in your home. You do have a heart for service! As your children grow and leave the nest, you'll find that with your "servant's heart" you will be guided to others who will benefit from your love and service. Keep up the great work!
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