Buy a Stranger a "Coke"

For one of Robert's classes this semester his teacher assigned his students to

"Buy a stranger a Coke," it didn't really have to be a coke but the

point was to buy something for a stranger anonymously.

So he went to McDonald's and payed for the person behind him.

A few weeks ago we went to dinner at my family's favorite restaurant - Mama Chus.

We happened to run into my aunt and uncle there and chatted with them and then they left and we continued to eat. When the waiter came to hand us our bill she said that the couple sitting right by us had paid for our dinner.

These couple acts of kindness have really had me thinking lately,

I want to be more serviceable (if thats a word).

It doesn't necessarily have to be buying something for someone

but simply being more aware of the people around me.

During General Conference this month there was a lot of talks

about service which also added to my thoughts on this topic.

M. Russell Ballard gave a talk about service and I love what he said,

"It is only when we love God and Christ with all of our hearts, souls, and minds that we are able to share this love with our neighbors through acts of kindness and service—the way that the Savior would love and serve all of us if He were among us today.

When this pure love of Christ—or charity—envelops us, we think, feel, and act more like Heavenly Father and Jesus would think, feel, and act. Our motivation and heartfelt desire are like unto that of the Savior. He shared this desire with His Apostles on the eve of His Crucifixion. He said:

“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you. …“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another”(John 13:34–35)."

Read this great talk here.

Service is something I want to be better at. I always use the excuse that I am too busy, or once school is out I will be better or something lame like that. I am making a goal to serve others more anxiously and always be looking for ways to serve.

I challenge those who read this to "Buy a stranger a Coke."