lose yourself

School starts on Wednesday, so it is time to put a new family theme up on our chalkboard. I thought and thought and prayed and prayed about what our theme should be this school year. In a moment of inspiration, I opened the New Era (our church's magazine for teenagers) and saw President Monson's message, Lose Yourself in Service. It was just what I was looking for.

He says: "The Savior taught His disciples, 'For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.' (Luke 9:24)

I believe the Savior is telling us that unless we lose ourselves in service to others, there is little purpose to our own lives. Those who live only for themselves eventually shrivel up and figuratively lose their lives, while those who lose themselves in service to others grow and flourish -- and in effect save their lives."

A friend once told me that when she was growing up her mother often said that she should spend as much time getting herself ready in the morning as she needed - to pick out an outfit, and do her hair and makeup, etc. But as soon as she stepped out the front door, she needed to forget about herself and think about others instead.

This is what I want for my children this year. I want them to lose themselves, to not be so concerned with their own worries that they can't see the people around them who might need help. If I can get them to look outside of themselves more this year, I think it will be a success, regardless of how well they do on their school work.

President Hinckley, our previous prophet, said this: "There are opportunities all around to stretch our lives and our interests in behalf of others. My plea is--if we want joy in our hearts, if we want the Spirit of the Lord in our lives, let us forget ourselves and reach out. Let us put in the background our own personal, selfish interests and reach out in service to others."

It is easy to get caught up in our own worries, insecurities, and needs. But I know that when I put those things aside and focus on someone else, I am happier. And those things that were so bothersome to me before don't seem so important anymore. This is what I want my children to know.