"Have I Done Any Good In The World Today"~

     Earlier this week I was watching a YouTube video of the hymn: "Have I Done Any Good In The World Today". So for the past few days I have found myself singing or thinking about the words of this beautiful hymn.  I asked myself the question; have I done any good in the world today, have I helped anyone in need? I know that I don't always listen to the spirit when I am encouraged to call someone or perhaps visit them. It isn't always convient to help someone in need, especially on a busy scheduled day. However, I keep trying to do better. I have learned great lessons when I have stopped, listened and served another.
     Through the years I have had many opportunities to serve. I have found great joy in those times. I do know beyond doubt, when you serve another you are blessed in the process. I know that the greatest cure for depression is to help another find a moment of happiness.
      Many years ago I worked as a Hospice Home Health nurse. Of course, I was paid for this job; but it brought great joy and of course saddness into my life. I loved the patients that I worked with. I can say that I cared for patients from different cultures, economical circumstances, religious and educational backgrounds. The blessings for this work  was that the patients and their families became my close friends. As I would lose the patient in death; I too, had to learn how to grieve. This was the hard part. The greatest pay was the treasured friendships, the spiritual experiences that I had and the knowledge that there is life after death. One of the things that I learned was that when you feel depressed or just having a bad day; go do something for someone else. For about a year, my health was very bad and there were days when I felt like I was just crawling to work and wondered how I was going to make it through the shift. As soon as I visited my first patient; I would feel so good inside and would have the strength to get through the day. I knew that I wasn't facing a terminal illness. I could still work and assist them. Life took on a whole different meaning.

     Just yesterday, I went out to see my Aunt Della, who turns 99 years old in September. I try to visit her fairly often. I didn't know her very well until we moved back to Utah. I have been working on her life history and it has been such a joy to visit with her and help her when needed. Yesterday, I ran an errand for her and when I got back she was apoligizing for always having me do things for her. Little does she know that it brings  great joy to my heart to be able to do so. She has such a listening ear and a loving heart. I have learned so much from her. Her sister, my Aunt Alene is in her 90's.  I knew her while growing up and we have always been close.  She doesn't live near; but I treasure my moments with her. I can't bare the thoughts of either of them passing away. My Aunt Della always brightens my day.
     The word service means something different to me today than it did 15 months ago. As we have been serving as service missionaries in the Inner City; we have tried to help those assigned to us with both temporal and spiritual needs. Many times the things we would like to do; we can't do. The progress is sometimes slow and cumbersome. However, we feel deeply blessed to have this experience. We pray alot and try our best to find ways to help these individuals and families. The provety and needs are astounding.  It has been a hard mission in many ways; but a great learning one. We have little miracles that show to us the love that Heavenly Father has for them. He is ever aware of all our needs.
     I know that you can decrease your down moments, add more happiness and joy to your life if you pause and take time to serve another.Serving is not just doing big things; it can  be the little things; such as a telephone call, a card, a smile, just reaching out and hugging someone. It will lift them and you.
     Remember you are serving as you raise your families, as you cherish your spouse, as you serve in your church, in your communities, your neighbors, friends and even strangers. There are needs all around us; look for those needs and take a moment to lift someone today.
Take joy in that service ~

Matthew 25:40; "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto me."
Mosiah 2:17; "When you are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God....
Doctrine In Covenants 81:5; "Wherefore, be faithful; stand in the office which I have appointed unto you; succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees.
 "Never supress a generous thought - Bonnie D. Parkin ~ 

Fill our mind with truth, fill our hearts with love, fill our lives with service ~
Pres. Thomas S. Monson ~  

"We do small things with great love" - Mother Terasa ~

"We become more substantive as we serve others -indeed, it is easier to 'find' ourselves
  because there is so much more of us to find!" - Pres. Spencer W. Kimball ~

Enjoy the Following Video: "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.