He's kind of a perfectionist, that dad of mine, so the painting looked flawless. I'm sure he knew that someday I, too, would have a house, so he wanted to prevent bad paint jobs (or maybe just prevent his having to come in and fix my bad paint jobs), so he told me to come learn how to paint a wall. I actually liked the idea, so I was eager to learn. When I entered the room, he told me to sit on the {drop cloth covered} couch and watch. He showed me how to roll the right amount of paint onto the roller; how to avoid drips; how to roll in a 'W' on the wall, then back over it again, until it was completely covered. He talked about taping and edges. He told me a lot. And, he said, I could try it someday...on my own house.
As chance would have it, I have ended up having a couple houses and a few paint jobs over the years. But, I married another paint-perfectionist (he painted houses during college), so I've not actually done much painting at all. A few weeks ago, when our Relief Society offered up painting services to a local charity, I signed up with glee. Finally, those decade-old tips about painting in a 'W' would finally come in handy.
On a cold Thursday night, a handful of women and I pulled into the dark parking lot, but were greeted by the sunny smiles of two women who were charity personified. They were delighted to have some help and generous with their kind words. After a few instructions and a quick run to Lowes, we were ready to get at it. We laughed and chatted as we worked. A few hours later, we finished. The walls were lovely. My face and hair were speckled. My heart was full.
I have had very little time over the last several months to think about service beyond my usual circle: my baby, my children, my husband. And yet, serving others is such balm to the soul. It heals, rejuvenates, lightens. On that night, in that place, helping people who really needed and appreciated my small offering, I was lifted in a way that cannot be found in retail therapy or 'me' time.
Contrary to what the world says, giving is really receiving, after all.
