When I was 16 we did a road show at church. This means that we put a play together and performed it along with all of the other wards/church youth groups. Our theme that year was "service is an attitude". Well I just want to let you know that today "service is a bad attitude!"
We have a family at church that is moving. Heck lots of people move here. It is what is done. They come and live for 3 years more or less and then they move (this family has been here 9). I am self sufficient. I managed to leave Tucson and clean my own house. I managed to move here to England and unpacked my own house. Why are other people unable to do this? Perhaps this explains why I don't have that many friends at church? I have been told it is because I am not "needy" enough so that's why people don't reach out. What does that mean? Okay anyway.
I get a phone call today asking if I can come "clean" Sister M's house. I know for a fact she has had people in and out of her house for the last 3 weeks. Seriously, we went over there on a Sunday afternoon to set up a canopy for her things to sit under outside that were not to be packed by the movers and she had us moving couches and tables all over the house - on a Sunday afternoon! So, the call comes today and I tell her that I have 3 children home from school and I am not available. Oh, but could I just come and pick up a bunch of food to take to church to give away. Fine, will do. Service with an attitude. Then the compassionate service lady at church calls me twice - second time on accident - to see if I'm available to help out Sister M. I tell her that I already am. This woman calls me at least 2x a month to provide service for someone. I always say yes - so of course I'm on the good call list. If she only knew that today that was "service with an attitude".
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Update - I left my house at 1pm with 3 kids in my car. I arrived at her house and loaded up my car and took things to the apartment they are staying at for the next week. Then went to the apartment they stayed at last night and loaded my car and took it to the other apartment. Then back to her house. Did I mention the 3 kids in my car? I suggest letting them play in the backyard - husband of the house turns up his nose at that and my kids run up and down the sidewalk with my car blasting Justin Timberlake's Sexy Back. I have never seen so much stuff in a house that needs to be EMPTY for inspection by 9am tomorrow morning. My car is loaded up once again with things that this time I am to take to the church and leave in a pile somewhere for other people to pick through. It is 4pm. I came home - I am not fighting traffic to get to the church right now. And you know what they say about one mans trash is another man's treasure? Let's all just admit that sometimes trash is just trash!!
4th of July?
1 year ago
9 comments:
We have a lot to talk about you and I....
I found you via a comment you left at Fourier Analyst's site, and as I popped in here I see that we have oh, about a million things in common.
I am living in The Netherlands, with my three kids and a cute husband. I am American too. Specifically an Arizonan (though that isn't where I was raised) and we share a background. It's no longer my religion but I know well these "road shows" and "service" opportunities of which you speak. So there is the introduction, and now for the commiseration. I am completely with you here, it's just UGH when you feel like you are doing FOR someone what they certainly seem able to do for themselves. In truth I pride myself on being a do it myself-er and have never really understood the opposite mindset. Seriously, I get you.
I'll be back.
I absolutely love "Service with an attitude." It was all to true. I find I am asked when someone needs a babysitter and someone always needs a sitter. SO I do my best to remember the quote "when you are in the service of your fellow man you are only serving God", some times it helps and some times it doesn't. I am sorry that it was such a rough day but you made it a joy to read. LOL!
I think I am on that same list when a family needs some dinner for there family I am the woman they call. (I always say yes) I guess I am a great cook ;)
Sounds like your service has been taken advantage of just a bit. They should treat the people on their list with a bit more understanding and respect.
It is kind of funny though - because even though I complained about it I don't feel taken advantage of. I knew what I was getting in to I was just ANNOYED about it all. I was happy to help once I was there - it's funny how service works that way. But that doesn't mean that the whole thing wasn't annoying. LOL Some of you will understand that more than others and that's okay. LOL
I know what you are saying.I don't mind helping, I just helped a friend, with a favor that was supposed to be a simple thing, turned out to be more than I expected, but as much as it annoyed me, I was happy to do it.
BTW~ My turn to tag you! :)
Great blog! :) Cool to see you're from Tucson! I know a few people from there and lived there myself back in my younger days and my dad went to Med school at UofA.
And totally lol at your blasting "Bringing Sexy back".
Glad to see that you are still bringing sexy back with a little sass!
I agree with you. I think some people join churches to glean what they can from those who serve. I have a difficult time understanding why she couldn't do a lot of that herself. The church is there to be available to it's members and help, but should be spending that kind of time in service to the people who are in real need, that don't have homes, or food or a bunch of 'stuff'. I probably wouldn't be as gracious as you, especially with the kids not being allowed in the back yard. I admire your heart for service. And even annoyed, I know you felt good at the end of the day that you had done it.
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