To Serve or not to Serve

Why do we focus on service with our Avondale School students? Is it important? What is the benefit of serving others rather than yourself? 

“Through the service of men and women and boys and girls, God’s work is done”. President Spencer W. Kimball explained: “God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs.” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball [2006], 82)

From the moment we are born, people help us. Without the help from our parents to be fed, clothed and cared for, we would not survive. Throughout our lives other significant people serve and help us to grow into the people God intends us to be. 

As a school we have a specific graduate profile that we focus on developing in each of our students. One of our key character traits that sits firmly in our graduate profile is the desire and ability to serve others. This entails being generous and living a life with a service heart and orientation. 

A big or a small act of service can make a difference. Being unable to do amazing and large things should never deter us from serving others. Service may be as little as giving a helping hand to fix something, making a meal for someone or just sitting with them as they grieve. Jesus gave the biggest sacrifice of all. He came to earth not to be served but to serve and to give His life for us.  

While God does not necessarily call us to give up our life, He merely calls us to serve in whatever capacity we can at the time. That is why we give our students opportunities to serve here at Avondale School. Whether it is through a major service trip like our HSC Cambodia Trip or our STORMCo trip, or through the many service projects that our students take part in, either in or out of class, we are proud of our students for wanting to make a difference in the lives of others. The impact on others when our students serve can be monumental. 

When we serve others we also gain important blessings. Through service we increase our ability to love. We become less selfish. As we think of the problems of others, our own problems seem less serious. God has said in Matthew 25:34-40 that those who live with Him must love and serve His children. We appreciate and uphold our students for the service they provide for others. It also helps them be the best version of themself and who God intends them to be.

Think about people in your family or community who are in need economically, socially, physically, or spiritually. What could be done to serve them? As a family or as individuals, you can serve and be God's hands and feet for someone else. If you have been too busy to serve others lately, give it a try … not only will it benefit others, it will benefit you as well. 

Blessings as you have a generous heart and serve others in the community.

Mrs Hayley Ferris

Head of Secondary