14. Observe Then Serve with Emily Snyder
If ministering sometimes feels like an assignment instead of a powerful way to connect, then perhaps we need to rethink our approach! Instead of thinking of it as an assignment, think of ministering as an invitation to help others and ourselves progress. We can do this by observing then serving, where we take time to revel in the "nothing moments" and sit and learn about one another.
“Ministering is an invitation to help others progress.” — Emily Snyder
Emily Snyder shares her thoughts on "observe then serve," which is an idea she got from Linda K. Burton in a 2012 general conference. She wants to know how we can get into people’s homes and lives so that our connections grow deep. Her belief is that we can all be a part of one another’s progression as we learn “how not to minister” and instead become part of each other’s lives.
LINKS: Linda K. Burton - "First Observe, then Serve"
Ministering is an invitation to bring the Savior into one another's lives, not an assignment to be checked off a to-do list.
Look around who is in your daily paths and decide to serve them and fulfill ministering in your everyday life.
Sometimes it takes humility to receive ministering and people's assumptions may prevent them from doing so.
Honor the effort of people reaching out, even when their efforts miss the mark.
"Nothing moments" can be created by spending time with people, and these moments help us know how to better serve.
Small & Simple Challenge
Pray to take advantage of the invitation you have been given to minister specifically in your ward and also ask to be more open to receiving the ministering that others are doing to you.