She learned to minister, not just complete duties
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A friend in my ward befriended another woman who was coping with bipolar disorder. The woman who was ill felt people were afraid to talk to her because her issues were so overwhelming. She said, "I feel like people throw bread at my door and what I need is for someone to sit down and talk with me, to listen to me, and to be my friend." I watched my friend care for this ill woman for many months. I realized that sometimes I get caught up in the duties instead of ministering in the way the Savior ministers. Jesus never "deposits a loaf of bread" and says I hope you are doing OK. Instead He comes to us, visits us, and breaks bread with us. I learned from my friend to evaluate what I am really doing. Am I too afraid to deal with a person who is ill? Am I trying to solve problems instead of just listening and supporting? Am I listening to the Spirit for what is really needed?
Over time I came to understand that the Savior is the shepherd, but we are His hands. We are the ones He sends out to do the work that needs doing. When I am in the right frame of mind — when I ask — He will tell [me] how I can help. I've tried to say in my mind when I pray over the people I visit teach, "Here am I, send me." I'm trying to be willing to get involved in another person's sorrow. I want to be better like my friend. — Marley Billings is a member of the Mueller Park 4th Ward, Bountiful Utah Mueller Park Stake
