S’mee, it’s a great vision, to remind the sisters that they are worth the effort it takes. And they are. I also completely relate to what eljee is saying–holy cow. A giant party three days before Christmas. That would have made me grumble. A lot. I think there’s an interesting line between a labor of love and a labor of pride… sometimes I wonder how often there’s a tinge of pride in a spectacular over-the-top event. It’s not something you can really judge, since we don’t know others’ hearts. But I think that’s part of the core of we’re being taught: when we simplify, we serve because we love, not because we’re trying to prove that we are good servants.

Coffinberry, LOL on your first comment. And I love what you say: “Consecration and burden-bearing have to be two-way streets, else it easily slips into martyrdom or haughtiness.” That is so, so true. I also think that, as you say, it’s important to realize the differences in our talents. For me, creating a display table is a hugely stressful event. It gives me cold sweats wondering whether my things are arranged right, whether they are cute enough. I just absolutely hate it. But I love teaching Sunday School. As you say, we are asked to give in different ways.

Claudia, I agree that asking people to help gives them an interest in participating… I think, though, that I often underestimate what I’m asking others to do. If I ask someone to help me with a lesson by sharing a brief experience, and that person is terrified of public speaking, I’m asking for a big-deal thing without realizing it. And the same is true of someone who might ask me to… decorate a table with birthday-themed place settings. No biggie to them, huge stressor to me.

Thanks for all the great comments! I appreciate your insights very much.

I know *I* love being fussed over. I have also come to look forward to those special women who *never* forget the consecration of their hearts to my behalf and benefit. It is part of their fabric.

I have forgotten this advice from time to time, however when I remember and act upon it, I have never regretted giving more than I thought (or honestly felt) was necessary.

I’m stuck on the consecrating question, because I’m still relishing in your anti-beauty-making, anti-fuss sentiments about RS.

Hm. I think this does fit your question afterall: When I was asked to be the homemaking leader in a student ward, my literal response was, “But I don’t do crafts.” The counselor reassured me I wouldn’t have to. With that answer, I said yes. I was not happy when my setting apart blessing said I would help bring the sisters together “by doing things like crafts.” In my anti-craft zeal, I had been quoting Isaiah for a few years by then, “And they worship the work of their own hands.”

So we planned crafts. And I was surprised at how much I enjoyed sitting around a table making stupid froux froux looking things while getting to know the women in our ward.
I caught the vision. I think it’s a similar vision to your china insight–and I would’ve been right on board with you on the preferred plastic.