Rodney Copperbottom Style

"Robots" is one of my all time favorite children's movies. I love that Rodney's chief aspiration is to make the world a better place. The theme expressed in this movie over and over again is "See a Need, Fill a Need"

See a need, fill a need. It's such a simple concept and I can't tell you how many countless times I have witnessed this is action over this past week. While I am not comfortable asking for help (who is?) and even more than that I'm fairly certain that I couldn't even tell you what our needs are/were. A big warm slice of humble pie has been served to me.

At the risk of not mentioning all of the kindness that we have experienced and all of the needs that were seen and filled I will share the following in no particular order;

Our Ward has been awesome and I feel so undeserving given that we do not know these people. I have repeatedly told the Ward Missionaries, RS and Primary that all is well but they have insisted upon caring for us and it's made me realize these things;

A) just how valuable service is
B) it's okay to need help
C) it's okay to accept help
D) people help because they want to
E) you don't have to know people to help them
F) Rodney was definitely on to something

There's my darling SIL, Micci. She and Jazz have been awesome and I'm trying not to feel bad about it. Micci is an amazing cook and without any prompting she has put together not one but now two tasty meals to feed my little family. Again, if someone asked or if someone was waiting on me to ask for help the result would have been the same. My thoughts were that we're really just fine. While 'just fine' is functional I've come to realize that sometimes more really is more so thank you Mic and Jazz for your kindness because it has taken a huge burden off of me.

My Mom is yet another testament of this principle. Several days this week she proactively made arrangements to take the kids and then called again this morning to make plans. In my mind I didn't think it was necessary and hated the idea of putting her out; however, she wants to help and has helped tremendously. I can't begin to tell you what a blessing this has been and I would have had no idea how much I really needed that if she didn't perceive and fill that need. The kids always enjoy their time with her and it gave me a break and just made me even more thankful.

The phone calls, emails and messages from friends has been a crazy source of supoort that I didn't realize would mean so much. It's odd to me that we now have 4 kids and to be honest I thought I could handle it. While I have held my own I definitely underestimated that which was to come. I've had a fair amount of emotional struggles this week some of each I anticipated and some of which have caught me unaware. The outpouring of love has made me feel more capable and definitely provided the comfort and encouragement I didn't know I needed.

On the B Side: This week has made me realize the importance of seeing the needs of others and offering quiet service to help fill those needs. It's so easy to get caught up in our own lives and overlook what small acts of service could really go a long way in the life of another. I've also realized all over again that I just can't do everything.

The quesiton that keeps ruminating in my mind is this, who leaves their family, drives many hours in the middle of the night to help a friend at the drop of a hat? Her name is Clancy and she is wonderful! Thanks to all (and there are many) who have seen my needs and quietly stepped in this week! More than the service you have provided comes a renewed understanding and deeper compassion within myself. Thank you for this invaluable gift.