One Small Act

I think one of the greatest things I have learned while on my mission is that "by small and simple means, great things are brought to pass."(Alma 37:6-7) In one of my first areas, my companion would share this thought often. Though he was not gifted in speech or knowledge, nor in the ability to teach, he relied on the Lord. When he taught it was from his heart, transforming a simple message into a heart filled testimony. Everyday we have the opportunity to see the hand of the Lord in our lives. It is usually through another person that he answers our own prayers, and by becoming the answer to someones prayer we often find the answers to our own. It was a very cold Thanksgiving night in Kalispell Montana. My comp and I headed over to the local store to use the restroom. I sat on a wooden bench, staring at the floor, feeling somewhat discouraged about my mission thus far. I heard the door open not to far from where I sat, and watched somewhat half heartily as a women brought in a large box to set in the back room. I struggled to fight off my sunken thoughts. As I did the impression came to me to ask the lady if she needed help. My companion and I helped her unload the rest of her small truck. After we were finished, she thanked us, calling us angels from heaven. She told of her husband being out of town, how he usually would have helped, but because of work he was not available. That night I realized that we can make a difference everyday by doing something small for somebody else. The Holy Ghost prompted me to forget myself, look to help others. As I did I was filled with peace and comfort. Just like on a basketball team in the NBA Playoffs, service works best when may are involved. Each of us has different talents. Just like the Center is not expected to dribble down the court, set up the offence, our heavenly father will not expect more of us than we can give. He knows our talents and gifts, and he has given them specifically to us for the benefit of others. "The lord way to help those in need requires people who out of love have consecrated themselves and what they have to God and his work."(Henry B. Eyring) The Lord will give us many wake up calls to go and do good for others. For me that Thanksgiving night, it was a woman who needed help with her truck load. For you, for all of us, everyday there are others in need. Needed is the eyes to see, the ears to hear, and the heart to feel others pains. May we each in our own individual ways, in our homes, in our communities, ask our self "have I done any good in the world today."(hymn223) I promise that as we lose our self in the service of others, the spirit of the lord will touch our hearts. We can find peace and joy on the journey.