Gordon B. Hinckley, president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon Church), had a secretary who just seemed to be in a rotten mood. He asked if there was anything he could do, and she promptly burst into tears.
Turns out that particular day she had turned 35, and felt as though she had nothing to show for it. In her eyes, she was a failure. To this President Hinckley said:
“So, you’re thirty-five? Happy birthday! According to actuarial tables you have more years ahead of you than you have behind you. Now with all you’ve learned over these thirty-five years, you can build and grow and live a wonderful and productive and happy life. Lift your head. Smile and be happy and go forward” (Gordon B. Hinckley, “To Single Adults,” Ensign, Jun 1989).
There are so many people out there who need you. There are so many burdens to lift. You never know when some experience you have had or a gift you possess may be the only thing that can help another through a difficult time. Isn’t it extraordinary to think that you might be the tool our Heavenly Father uses to help bring another of His children back to Him? Or perhaps you may be the one person who can help keep someone from falling off the right path.
We are in a world where wickedness abounds, and yet our one voice can be a light to those who struggle. Who can we help to lift above the darkness?
“There are the homeless, there are the hungry, there are the destitute all around us. There are the aged who are alone in rest homes. There are handicapped children, and youth on drugs, and the sick and the homebound who cry out for a kind word. If you do not do it, who will?” (Gordon B. Hinckley, “To Single Adults,” Ensign, Jun 1989).
The funny thing is, you never know where you may find your greatest source of joy until you try. When I was asked to be a teacher over the Young Women (teen girls 12-17 in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints), I was terrified at first. It took a few months before I realized how passionate I feel about leading these strong, vibrant spirits! I’ve been in the Young Women program for over five years now, and I still feel that incredible force to help them rise above the life Satan would have for them.
There is a hymn that brilliantly depicts what our attitudes should be.
“Have I done any good in the world today?
Have I helped anyone in need?
Have I cheered up the sad and made someone feel glad?
If not, I have failed indeed.
Has anyone’s burden been lighter today
Because I was willing to share?
Have the sick and the weary been helped on their way?
When they needed my help was I there?There are chances for work all around just now,
Opportunities right in our way.
Do not let them pass by, saying, “Some day I’ll try,”
But go and do something today.
‘Tis noble of man to work and to give;
Love’s labor has merit alone.
Only he who does something helps others to live.
To God each good work will be know.”
(Will L. Thompson)
There is so much to be gained in this life if we will put ourselves into blessing the lives of others. There are opportunities to serve that pass by us every single day. If we will take those gifts God has given us, and the lessons we have learned through our life experiences, we can do so much to make the world a brighter, better place.
In the same talk mentioned above, President Hinckley spoke of Florence Nightengale. A young, single woman, no one could have imagined the extraordinary work she would make happen in her lifetime. Even though she was born to wealthy parents, Florence would not be satisfied with the life her station urged. Instead she began to visit hospitals where she saw so many suffering under inadequate care. These sights encouraged her to become a nurse, and worked hard enough to become a superintendant of a hospital in London.
It was at this time she, and thirty-eight other nurses, went to serve in the Crimean War. Under their incredible care thousands of soldiers were saved. She was declared a heroine.
She was one person, who had a gift for healing, a tender heart, and a strong spirit.
Now I’m not saying we should all aspire to change the world in some magnificent way. But isn’t it just as important to change someone’s world, even in a small way? A hug, a hello, or a listening ear; a few anonymously donated dollars; a dinner; a lawn mowed or a walkway shoveled; a note written, or perhaps a simple smile. You never know what act will help one of God’s children to make it through another day.
Say a prayer today, and ask God to help you do some good.
