Best weekend ever?!

My kids commented on Saturday that they had the best weekend they can remember. For them it was a great weekend because they got to see friends, swim with cousins, see a movie with Mom and Dad, and have milkshakes and junk food for dinner.

For me it was the best weekend ever, because I took the time to stop thinking about myself for a few hours and focus on helping someone else. I got up early and went to help with a garage sale that was to benefit a young family that had lost their father/husband right after Christmas. He and his family had been the first to help anyone, including my family whenever needed. I can’t tell you the number of meals she brought to my family, or the service her husband gave to mine when he really needed it. I have to admit, I enjoy helping others, but I don’t often go out of my comfort zone. I am one of those that usually thinks the good thoughts, but has trouble actually following through.

That day I did. I got out of that comfort zone, and did something for someone else. I was not expecting anything for myself, we never do when we give service, but I think Saturday I got a whole lot more than I gave. I had a great time helping set up the sale. I think I laughed the whole time. When we came back to shop at the sale, my kids saw friends, and also their cousins who invited them to swim. I also received our long awaited tax return check that day, which we really needed, and that allowed us to take the kids to the movie and milkshakes that day.

For the kids it was just a fun day, filled with fun, but for me I could see how I was blessed by helping someone else. I did not give the service to get something, but that is how it works right? When you give your time and genuinely just want to help, you usually get something in return. I was able to teach my children that serving others is a good thing, and to me that made it the best weekend ever.