Blessing The Lives Of Others

I've been hearing this phrase often of late.  That we are to "bless the lives of others."  It was even mentioned again yesterday in Sunday School by our former-Bishop/teacher.  I always squirm a bit when I hear this phrase.  It is often used in conjunction with thoughts about service.  There is a fine distinction between giving service and blessing the lives of others.

Serving others is a fundamental part of living our religion.  (One I fully endorse and endeavor to incorporate into my life.)  Even the word "serve" implies humility.  The act of serving another brings to mind fulfilling another's need without regard to status or ego.  Something willingly given - often from the heart.  Service is frequently given anonymously - thus the glory (or thanks) goes to God.  As it should.

For The Beauty Of The Earth.

Blessing others infers elevation above another.  Bestowing something on another through our beneficence (or superior position). This attitude smacks of grabbing all the glory for what we have done, even though nothing we do is of any value without acknowledging Heavenly Father's hand in all things.

All that we are/have/do is from our Heavenly Father.  He is the one who blesses.  Professing (or desiring) to bless another is akin to putting ourselves on par with Him. Something none of us should ever do.  A subtle but important difference exists between "service" and "blessing others".  I hope to always be aware of this.  And just maybe - at some future time - I will stand in defense of the appropriate attitude and do so in a way that will cause someone to adjust their own mental position accordingly.  We are all equal in the sight of God.

I continue to love the words to the hymns that we sing each Sunday in church.  Yesterday's included these - words I consider a heartfelt plea:

"Purify our hearts, our Savior; Let us go not far astray,
That we may be counted worthy of thy Spirit day by day.
When temptations are before us, give us strength to overcome.
Always guard us in our wand'rings till we leave our earthly home."

Today's gratitude:  for an awareness of the beauty of this earthly home.