Not Too Far From Here

It is so easy to lose track of those around us.  Our lives are much busier today than they used to be 50 or even 100 years ago.  It is a different kind of busy.  It is the kind that mean you have to go places, do things, take people somewhere, work, go to school functions, go to the store, go to church.  Sometimes I feel as if I spend most of my life simply, "going to". 
Occasionally, I miss knowing what is going on with those around me.  I miss seeing neighbors, friends, and adults who are polite and happy.  I get so caught up in what needs to be done right now.  The girls have piano, homework, chores, flute and chelo practice, after school activities and who knows what will be on the agenda tomorrow.  Sometimes, I get so caught up in what is going on in my own life, that I don't look outside of it as I ought to.  I don't open my eyes and look around for those that might need me. 
My one regret for living in this amazing, busy world, is that it makes it so much harder for us to realize those who need us.  We don't know our neighbors like the pioneers did.  We go to work, come home and we may never see those who live on our street who need the kindness and compassion that we can bring to them.  I recently read a blog about needing help and service and how hard it was to accept that in their life.  One of the commenters  wrote something that nearly broke my hear.  She said that she wished she lived around those who wanted to serve.  That when she needed someone to help, no one came.
So today, my plea is for each of us to take the time to remember, wherever you are, that someone needs you.  That you can be of help and service.  That you are appreciated and valued in so many ways.  Today, I want to share with you one of my favorite songs.  I heard it done by Hillary Weeks and it has become a song that I have taken to heart.  I hope that you do too.
May each of us remember that we are our brother's (and sister's) keeper.

Not Too Far From Here - Kim Boyce (By Faith)
Somebody's down to their last dime,
Somebody's running out of time,
Not too far from here

Somebody's got nowhere else to go
Somebody needs a little hope
Not too far from here
And I may not know their name
But I'm praying just the same
That You'll use me Lord to wipe away a tear
'Cause somebody's crying
Not too far from here

Somebody's troubled and confused
Somebody's got nothing left to lose
Not too far from here

Somebody's forgotten how to trust
Somebody's dying for love
Not too far from here

It may be a stranger's face
But I'm praying for Your grace
To move in me and take away the fear
'Cause somebody's hurting
Not too far from here

Help me, Lord, not to turn away from pain
Help me not to rest while those around me weep
Give me Your strength and compassion
When somebody finds the road of life too steep

Now, I'm letting down my guard
And I'm opening my heart
Help me speak your love to every needful ear
Someone is waiting
Not too far from here
Jesus is waiting
Not too far from here

“We live in perilous times when many believe we are not accountable to God and that we do not have personal responsibility or stewardship for ourselves or others. Many in the world are focused on self-gratification, put themselves first, and love pleasure more than they love righteousness. They do not believe they are their brother’s keeper. In the Church, however, we believe that these stewardships are a sacred trust.”


Quentin L. Cook, “Stewardship—a Sacred Trust,” Ensign, Nov. 2009, 91