We were fortunate to receive service from several missionary companionships over the course of the past several months. Quite a few of these service projects revolved around our yard and the weeding thereof. It was a great help for my wife, since my job keeps me busy and quite unavailable to help.
Last Saturday we spoke with my parents in Israel. They have a small yard that has several fruit trees and a small lawn. Since their return from visiting us in August, they have been slow to recover from the trip. So was their lawn. For the past month, they are diligent in pulling out weeds and cleaning up, but still have only managed about 30%.
When we spoke with them, the first thing that came to our minds was to find someone who could be paid to take care of the yard. Their response was that they tried it once, with a highly recommend person, and were disappointed by the quality of the work they received. My mother said that she really doesn't feel she can trust anyone with the effort.
When we heard this, my wife and I looked at each other knowingly: you know that if you have missionaries helping you, you do not need to be concerned about diligence or the sincerity of the effort. We were joking about how we should contact the BYU center in Jerusalem and ask them if they have a couple of missionaries to spare... True, my parents do not live close to Jerusalem (about an hour's drive), but my mother would not let them leave without a very hearty meal ;-)
We are so blessed by the missionary program from both sides of the fence. The kids get a once in a lifetime experience of the virtue of service, and the members can see God's work unfold as their needs are met by the hands of His messengers.
TOTD: When you receive service, remember to pay it forward.
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