#LIGHTtheWORLD Days 1-2

December has arrived. With it come paper snowflakes, twinkling lights, and wrapped gifts. This is my favorite time of year. While it can be busy and stressful with final exams, shopping, and traveling, the Christmas season is a time for family, giving, and reflection on the past year.

I am grateful for the #LIGHTtheWORLD initiative that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has implemented this December. After a seemingly tumultuous year, the world needs a little positivity and love. For 25 days, thousands of generous people worldwide will engage in 25 acts of service to spread the light of Christ.

My husband and I are participating, and I would like to share my thoughts and experiences with you. I can't promise that I will post every day (actually, don't count on it since finals start next week), but I will try my best. I can't do much, but I do believe that my simple blog posts do spread a little light.

DAY 1 - Jesus lifted others' burdens and so can you.

I absolutely loved Thursday's video. The video depicted many scenes of Christ helping others. Each scene was mimicked by someone else serving in a similar way. I found it powerful to see my fellow brothers and sisters loving as Christ loved. (See the video at the link below.)

I have never seen Jesus Christ, but I have felt His love through the good people around me. I have been blessed with Christlike friends and family who touch my life every day. I reflected on the Christlike patience of my father, the Christlike wisdom of my mother, the Christlike strength of my grandmother, the Christlike selflessness of a dear friend, the Christlike joy of one of my Church leaders.

If you ever want to know who Christ is, just look around. I know that you will see His light in those around you and also in yourself.

https://www.mormon.org/christmas/in-25-ways-over-25-days/jesus-lifted-others-burdens

DAY 2 - Jesus honored His parents and so can you.

When I think of my mother, I think of:

• Piano music echoing throughout the house and her patiently teaching me to play. 
• Her wisdom and spot-on advice in response to my never-ending list of complaints.
• The hundreds of school essays she has edited and the math problems she has helped me solve. 
• The rides she has given, the meals she has cooked, and the time she has selflessly donated to others. 
• Hour-long weekly phone calls. 
• Mouthwatering homemade salsa, rolls, and pizza. 
• Our shared love of books, Reese's, and naps.
• The way she runs her fingers through my hair.
• Early-morning seminary where she bore her testimony of the Savior to me for four years.

When I think of my father, I think of:

• The late-nights he would pick me up from friends' houses and school activities. 
• His hands on my head as he gives me a blessing.
• Playing with his geometric shapes in his classroom. 
• His weekly phone calls to his mother. 
• His gentle voice waking me up for school every morning. 
• The maps he printed out for my road trips so I never got lost. 
• His chuckle after he told a particularly cheesy joke. 
• The sound of the shovel hitting the sidewalk as he shoveled our driveway and the entire block. 
• The countless hours he has dedicated to serving the Lord and those around him.

I was blessed with THE most amazing parents. I am incredibly thankful for their example and influence in my life. Their sacrifice, hard work, and endless love have shaped me into the person I am today.

https://www.mormon.org/christmas/in-25-ways-over-25-days/jesus-honored-his-parents