Service

In Church this morning/afternoon the talks given were on the subject of service and loving one another. At the end of the meeting, there was about 10 minutes left and a member of the bishopric stood up to fill in the remaining time. He challenged the primary children and youth to serve others in their family and community since they have lived their lives being served by others.

As this bishopric member spoke, I looked over at Camden and thought: I have the most perfect example of service in my son. He could teach others through his example. Camden is always thinking about others. When I had morning sickness, from the prenatals, at the end of August, Camden would draw me pictures telling me to feel better. He would play quietly and let me rest, unlike his brother. ;) Camden is always bringing candy to church without telling/asking me because he shares it with his primary class just to be nice. If I'm having a hard day with Aidan, which is often, he quietly slips into the background and entertains himself so that he's not a worry. This precious seven year old will willingly and sometimes secretly do the dishes(loading and unloading) by himself to surprise me or just because I asked. He's always wanting to share with others, especially if that person is upset.

At times, and this might sound weird, but I worry about this because I don't want him to always feel he has to be the peacemaker. That he should be overlooked because it's easier...that was kind of an awkward phrase....hmmm...

Let me explain. Growing up, I was the wall flower. My older brother had several challenges in his life that took all of my mom's time and attention. I also had three much younger siblings who required lots of attention because they were so young. I saw the stress my mother was under and made it my mission in life to be invisible. To not rock the boat, put any more stress into her life, and succeeded quite well. Too well.

I knew I was serving my mother by taking care of things without being asked, going above and beyond what was required of my age, not taking any attention on purpose, etc. But as I got older, around 11/12, I really started resenting being invisible. Never being noticed. Being taken for granted. And being constantly teased for being so perfect. But by then I couldn't stop being perfect and if I didn't anything minutely wrong, I was devastated. I was a bad person.

It has taken a long time to get over that mentality and although Camden's life is vastly different from my childhood, I still see the similarities. Aidan is a strong willed, challenging little rascal and there are days where his outbursts, temper tantrums, etc, take up all my time. I notice Camden becoming the wall flower, not wanting to rock the boat. And it's so easy to ignore the good kid. The one who serves without being asked. He gets up by himself via his alarm clock, makes his bed, eats breakfast, brushes his teeth, gets dressed, gets a snack all by himself. Camden follows the rules, tries to be fair when playing with others but if I do have to reprimand him for something, he falls apart. He'll say he's a bad person and just cries.

This completely breaks my heart in two because I understand. And despite our childhood differences, history is repeating itself and I don't want my child to get lost but it's so easy. I try to compliment him. To let him know that I see what he's doing but it seems like the praise goes in one ear and out the other. He tries so hard to be perfect and he's only 7!!

That was not what this post was supposed to be about but there you go. The point is that Camden could teach humanity a few pointers about service. I actually think children in general are far better examples then most adults.

For example, today he noticed our elderly neighbors across the street raking their leaves and pulling up their garden. So he asked, actually begged, to go over there and help them. What am I going to say, "Sorry, honey, you need to stay home today because it's Sunday?" He was so excited to go help. Then Nathan decided that he should take the cue from our little boy and went over to help as well so of course Aidan joined in the fun after his lunch was done. One person. One little boy can be such a light to others.




And not to leave out the youngest rascal, this was a question asked to Nate on the way home from church:

Aidan(wearing a bandana saying I can be honest): Hey dad?! Do you want to be eeevil with me?

hahahahaha nice.