Ya gotta feel the Love.

Helping I don't mind, it's when I am told to drop everything, things I have planned or need to do to help someone else and I am left wondering then how I am to finish what I need to do, or what about what I wanted to do.

I love going to gun shows and someone always manages to plan for helping on the day I planned to be gone.

I think a good start is taking stock of what you have, and practicing gratitude.

"It could be dirty kids or smelly adults, or whatever"


Don't know if this is part of what you want, but here is my thoughts.

I remember the day I was baptized, I was 16 and had spent part of the afternoon as a volunteer helping at this rec program for individuals w/developmental disabilities. One of the participants was a young woman in her early 20s, profoundly affected. She was sitting on the floor when I saw she really needed her nose wiped- I debated within myself if she would be offended if I wiped it. Then I did go and get tp and wiped her nose. I recall feeling her nonverbally conveying some kind of thanks. (I ended up writing one of my college application essays on that experience, must be why I got rejected by that school!)


Also trying to feel how we'd want to feel, treating people w/dignity. (in my job as an OT, one of my job duties is I help elderly individuals w/toileting needs. )Sometimes you just have to take a big breath and turn your head so the person doesn't see you struggle w/adjustment to odor. Also sometimes the person expresses embarassment, etc in situations, I tell people we are all human, etc. and/or they would help me if situation was reversed.

But don't ask me how to deal w/odors from cadaver lab- one time I had to leave suddenly to take a deep breath of fresh air due to the smell in the lab, the teacher yelled at me upon return to class. (though in fairness he apologized when I explained why I'd had to rush out)

But seriously, w/how sensitive to smells I am (ie the smell of bananas often make me gag), I've been blessed to be able to tolerate/deal w/some smells to do needed tasks

There is definitely the learned aspect to it, as well as the fact that some people just seem to have compassion naturally, but for me the biggest aspect of this is the Savior's Grace.

As we are doing what WE can - striving to have the Spirit, serving others, etc., - we can also importune the Lord to bless us with HIS charity. He can fill in the gaps that we cannot fill despite our best intentions. After all, willpower can only take you so far - sometimes it doesn't take you very far at all.

For example, I remember when I was called to be a counselor in the Primary. We'd gotten a phone call from the Bishop that he wanted to come over and see me, so we were speculating on what he'd ask me to do. Hubby said, "You know, the Primary presidency has been in there for a long time, maybe you'll be called to serve there." My response was very skeptical, "Yeah right, that's never going to happen, I've got way too much of an edge. Primary people are sweet and gentle and kind, I'm far too sarcastic. There's a reason why I've served so much with the youth." (Poor Bishop couldn't understand why DH and I burst out laughing when he extended the call.)

And what I found in that calling is that the Lord really expanded the gentler sides of my nature. Because of the mantle it became easy to identify the child who needed a hug and even easier to let them know I loved them. Because of my obedience the Lord was able to do some wonderful things with my caustic self.

Hiccups, you said it way better than I did.