In continuing with the values in the Personal Progress book, our sixth value is Good Works. This is a wonderful value that focuses on service. The theme is “I will help others and build the kingdom through righteous service.” The scripture is 3 Nephi 12:16: “Therefore let your light so shine before this people that they might see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
This is a wonderful value for all people to learn, but I think it really helps the young women in their development. One of the experiences has the girls read scriptures about service, and then look at ways that others serve them for two weeks. This gives the girls a new perspective on those around them. Other experiences help them to prepare for service in both the community and home when they are adults. The girls also have the opportunity to serve others and do missionary work. The value projects also focus on service.
When I was a youth, I often groaned at the thought of another service project. As a youth this always meant hot, tiring work. Most of our service projects were based on heavy cleaning of our Stake Center. I hope that if I had been helping a person and seen the way we were helping, I would have felt better about the service. For this reason when you are planning service projects for your youth, try to make the projects more personable. It can make a difference in the way the youth feel after the project is over.
As an adult, I am grateful for the chance I have to serve others. It is a wonderful blessing to reach out and help others. I love the service projects that my ward sponsors as well as other ways that I can help people. I also love the service that I give to my husband and children each day. I know that I am helping them to be happy. Good works can help each of us reach beyond ourselves to help those around us. We will be blessed as we continue to develop these qualities.
Related Articles:
Young Women: Divine Nature
Young Women: Individual Worth
Young Women: Choice and Accountability