Day 7: Giving Thanks for Compassion
One of my favorite quotes comes from a revelation given to Joseph Smith in 1831;
“Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing…out of small things proceedeth that which is great.” – D&C 64:33
In other words…
It’s The Little Things That Count
Four years ago this month our daughter was laying in a hospital bed unable to walk or do simple functions for herself. She would remain hospitalized for eight long weeks, and then endure months of therapy to slowly regain her health and strength. During all of that time of heartache, confusion, worry and upheaval to our family, we experienced an outpouring of love and kindness that is impossible to adequately describe. Meals and baked goods arrived unsolicited, notes and cards were sent and tucked into our doormat, packages were mailed, visitors stopped by the hospital and the house just when a visit was needed, an aunt took our daughter into her own home for an entire week of respite care, a friend showed up and helped me paint walls in my home, a neighbor took care of our dog, someone took our garbage bins to and from the curb each week, someone else waited for any time we were away to anonymously do yard-work or snow removal. Loving emails and texts were sent, hugs and kisses were given, and hundreds – perhaps thousands – of prayers were offered for our daughter and our family.
None of these “little things” were ever small for us. They were huge. Each and every act of compassion and service made all of the difference for our emotional and physical survival. It is impossible to list everything that was done for us, or to thank each person. In fact, most things were done anonymously or happened so quietly and secretly we may never know about them. I get very emotional when I think about that time in our lives, and the outpouring of goodness that overcame our sorrow, and lifted our overwhelming burden.
God Uses Us
In October 2017 Dieter F. Uchtdorf – an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ – spoke about selfless service, and gave several powerful promises we will receive when we serve.
“How encouraging it is to know, though we are imperfect, if our hearts are turned to God, He will be generous and kind and use us for His purposes.
“Those who love and serve God and fellowmen and humbly and actively participate in His work will;
- see wondrous things happen in their lives and in the lives of those they love.
- Doors that seemed shut will open.
- Angels will go before them and prepare the way.
“No matter your position in your community or in the Church, God will use you, if you are willing. He will
- magnify your righteous desires and
- turn the compassionate actions you sow into a bountiful harvest of goodness.”
– President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, A Yearning For Home, October 2017 Conference (bullet points and emphasis added)
A Bountiful Harvest of Goodness
What marvelous promises we have been given from God if we choose to do His work for others!
I have personally seen doors open and miracles happen in my life over and over. I know angels are around us helping us. Some of those angels are heavenly, many are earthly. I know that “Compassionate actions” are never wasted actions! Time spent in serving is never lost time!
Today I give thanks for the compassionate service that I have been able to offer to others during my life, and the compassionate service that has been offered to me.
May the Lord bless us to give and to receive all of the blessings He has promised.
Have you done any good for someone today? – MoSop
Latter-day Soprano 
I remember that time of illness for your daughter. Living so far away, all I could do was pray, which I did. And, when my son went through treatment for cancer, I know that you prayed for him. You have no idea how much I appreciated knowing he was being prayed for on your list and that of the Choir’s. Where I used to go to church, they called it seed planting. You plant a seed by doing something for someone else, and then when you need something, you will have a crop to harvest. It’s the parable of sowing and reaping. I don’t get out a whole lot anymore, but most of what I do for others involves prayer. I know that God honors that as much as physical deeds. I’m so glad your daughter recovered. She’s a walking miracle. And, so far, my son has had 2 CT Scans, and there is no more cancer. Praise God for answered prayers. Love to you and your daughter, Lynne
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Thank you so much for all your prayers Lynne! We have certainly been busy planting, sowing and reaping for each other over theas many years! What a blessing you are in my life! ❤
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You bless my life, as well. I love reading your blogs. You have much wisdom for a “spring chicken” (lol). I can say that because you’re the same age as my oldest son. I get so much out of your blogs. They instruct and encourage. Love you, Lynne
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