They came because they loved me

We all have times in our lives when we feel alone or lonely.  We all have times of difficulty and trial.  We all hurt and are afraid.  It can be hard to remember that our Heavenly Father often works through us to heal the pain of another.  Do you follow the promptings that you feel?  Do you pick up the phone when you are impressed to call?  Do you visit the lonely, the needy or the sick?  Sometimes, it can be so hard to get what we think of as "the little things" done in our lives.  It can be hard to understand why we need to "be there" when there are so many other places we need to be. 
I sing in the community choir and we went to a care center to sing Christmas carols.  It was on a Sunday evening in December, and that is always a really busy time for me.  I really wanted to not go.  I had to stretch my schedule and attend the Piano Recital than drive forty minutes to Snowflake to sing.  Miracle came with me.  We barely made it in time for the concert.  We sang for the elderly.  They were so appreciative of our time and efforts!  Afterward, Miracle and I went around the entire room, talking with each individual.  They were so warm and grateful.  It was an inconvenient thing to do, but it was so worth the little labor and time that I had invested in it.  
You were chosen for this day and in this time because of your unique talents and gifts.  We live in a busy, fast-paced world.  There is so much noise going on around us that it becomes easy to ignore the good that needs to be done.  You can make a difference right in your own little corner of the world.  You can change someone else's life for the better just be being there when you are needed.  I want to bear testimony to you of how important those little, everyday things can be.   Of how much you have to offer, when you truly offer yourself. 

Here are a couple of my favorite quotes on this subject.  

One really powerful statement from an inactive sister who was visited monthly "without fail"  was this:  "They didn't come because they would get blessings or heavenly points...They came because they loved me." 

 “We must cherish one another, watch over one another, comfort one another and gain instruction that we may all sit down in heaven together.” - Lucy Mack Smith

So, what are you doing for your fellow sisters or brothers?  What are you doing for your neighbors or your friends.  I want you to know that you don't have to do everything.  Maybe, try to add just one thing today that is for someone else.   Take one moment to make a difference.  Remember, it really is the little things that mean the most to those around us. 
I can't tell you how much it meant to call my home teacher and have him come help clean out the flood in my garage.  I can't tell you how much it means when my visiting teachers come by, even for a moment.  (I know that I can be the world's hardest woman to visit!)  I can't tell you how much it means when my children come to visit me and stay at my house (even though they are allergic to the cat!).  It really is not about doing big things for people.  It is mostly about the simple act of being available and listening to the promptings of the spirit in your life.  You can do it!  I know you can.

Whenever I'm disappointed with my spot in my life, I stop and think about little Jamie Scott. Jamie was trying out for a part in a school play. His mother told me that he'd set his heart on being in it, though she feared he would not be chosen. On the day the parts were awarded, I went with her to collect him after school. Jamie rushed up to her, eyes shining with pride and excitement. "Guess what Mum," he shouted, and then said those words that will remain a lesson to me: "I've been chosen to clap and cheer!"

May we each enjoy the times when we are chosen to clap and cheer!