I like to help. I always have. Growing up, when any of my friends mentioned having a problem, I'd be right there with anything I could offer. I found often times, I was occupied with just listening to people or becoming a sounding board for people. I always wanted to be that person to help others in any way I could. I found satisfaction in helping even if it meant spending personal time or other minor (and sometimes major) inconvieniences. This not only improved my listening skills, but also helped my desire to serve.
The problem is, I am but one person and I have found many things are way over my head. I often wondered how a lot of my friends dealt with some of the issues they had. I loved them to death though and still wanted to help! I think of all the advice I could have given, the best advice I could offer was to pray about it.
Why does prayer help? It is because God is a loving Heavenly Father. If you love someone you want to communicate with them. You talk to them in any way possible to let them know your thoughts and feelings. You grow close to them and learn to rely on them. In this case, relying on Heavenly Father instead of an earthly friend is much better because unlike your earthly friend, your Heavenly Father has ALL the answers.
In fact, it is part of why I am out here serving a mission today. I have prayed a lot throughout my life and have that desire to serve. It has been that constant prayer that has helped me through many trying times in my life. It had been through praying that I have found counsel and advice that has helped me in my life. It is through prayer that I have really gained a testimony of truth and know that my Heavenly Father is there and not only is there, but intently listening to what I have to say.
