In the Service of Your Fellow Beings
One of my very favorite examples of service was shared by Rex D. Pinegar. He relates the following experience:
One morning several years ago, I was driving with my family to Disney World in Florida. Our four young daughters were excited as we approached the turnoff to that famous park. The laughter and happy chatter stopped suddenly, however, as our rented station wagon sputtered and chugged to an unexpected stop on the exit ramp. Many cars sped by us in the rush-hour traffic as I tried unsuccessfully to get the car running again. Finally, realizing there was nothing more we could do, we got out of the stalled car and huddled together off the road for a word of prayer.
As we looked up from our prayer, we saw a smiling, handsome man and his son maneuver their bright red sports car through the lanes of traffic and pull off the road beside us. For the remainder of the morning and into the afternoon, these men assisted us and cared for our needs in many kind and helpful ways. They took us and our belongings to the receiving area at the park. In their small car, it took several trips. They helped me locate a tow truck for the stranded car; they drove me to the rental agency to get a replacement vehicle. Then, because there was some delay, they drove back to where my family waited to let them know where I was. They bought refreshments for them and then waited with my family until I returned several hours later.
We felt that these men were truly an answer to our prayer, and we told them so as we said goodbye and tried to thank them. The father responded, “Every morning I tell the good Lord that if there is anyone in need of my help today, please guide me to them.”
What a wonderful prayer. “If there is anyone in need of my help today, please guide me to them.”
Many years ago, I had a memorable experience of helping someone in need. I was driving to work on a snowy winter morning in Dayton, Ohio. As I exited the interstate, there was a car that was stalled.
I felt that I should stop and help.
The man was very grateful and asked if I could give him a ride to his destination. On the way to his destination, we were getting acquainted when he paused and asked, “Are you a Mormon?” I was shocked by the question. There was nothing I had said that would indicate my religion.
Bewildered, I asked him how he knew.
He responded something about being happy and helpful. I asked him if he was a member, and he said he was not, but he did believe in God. We had a nice conversation, and he happily took a copy of a Book of Mormon, which I kept in my glove box.
I have found that if I am ever feeling down, the way to fix that is by helping others. This brings real happiness. Whether large or small, involved or simple, when we are in the service of our fellow beings, we are truly in the service of our God. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Akron Ohio Stake News 