Sign up for Meridian’s Free Newsletter, please CLICK HERE

Editor’s Note: As part of the #LightTheWorld campaign, Meridian’s authors have been asked to take turns chiming in a word or two about the service prompts that have been given as part of the #LightTheWorld calendar.

To download your own copy of the calendar, CLICK HERE.

The #LightTheWorld service prompt for Saturday, December 7 is to perform an act of service for a family member, which reminded me of one of the most unique, entertaining, and kind things a family member ever did for me. 

I’ve been a bit of a hopeless romantic since the beginning. As much as I’d like to say that the seasons of my life could be remembered and distinguished based on what great literature I was reading–the truth is, the chapters of my life could more easily be split up by what boy I was crushing on at any given time.

Well, there was a particular boy that I liked so much as high school came to a close that I thought maybe we would date in college. I had written him throughout his mission, and he was coming home during my freshman fall semester. No additional details are necessary beyond the fact that my hopes were severely dashed almost immediately upon his return and we did not date. We did not even go an a date.

When Thanksgiving rolled around, I flew home to the east coast to be with my family and returned to the high school room that I hadn’t been back to since leaving for college. I set my things down and noticed how cluttered I had left my desk before glancing up at the bulletin board where I had posted all of the mission photos that boy–who now wanted nothing to do with me–had sent. I expected to see a little time capsule of the hopes and prospective joys that I had so cherished just a few months before, but instead, the bulletin board was covered with a pictures of me being doted on, hugged by, and adored by various of my favorite male celebrities.

My brother had somehow noticed the bulletin board, realized that it might be painful for me to see, and instead exchanged a moment of sadness for a moment of joy.

It was one of the most memorable acts of service I’ve ever received, not only because it was so funny, but because he noticed a need that was so unique to me.

This weekend’s service prompt starts by saying “Think of your family members.” I can tell you that I felt incredibly thought of. I hope this silly moment from my young life can serve as a reminder that looking for some way to serve someone in your home might not just mean doing the dishes or taking out the trash. Look a little deeper. Make someone feel truly noticed. If necessary, employ Photoshop.