Thought for Thursday - A little bit of love...

I've been amazed lately at how much a little act of kindness can make such a HUGE difference. Once again, I have had a month of near constant personal trial. (Please don't feel bad for me, I would so much rather endure the trials I've been given than endure those that others are asked to go through!) Fittingly, however, this month has also been laden with amazing blessings. Throughout this month, I have been so touched by those who have listened and responded to the silent promptings from our Father above. These promptings haven't been big, but they have made a world of difference in my little life. One of many examples occurred one day when I had a friend call and say, "Throw your kids' laundry in garbage bags on the front porch. I'll be there in a half hour." This dear friend has a household of her own laundry and endures challenges I would never make it through...and yet, here she is, willing to "do a little more." I had random phone calls offering support and spontaneous soup dinners dropped off. Surrounding Kaitlin's baptism, our family was showered with support and love and I was constantly touched by the amount of love shown Kaitlin. Beyond the support of our dear family and friends, she has received countless notes and gifts from members of our ward anxious to share their testimony, hope and love. It has been amazing. I have also been touched by the unexpected. For example, our sweet home teacher brought by a message and a treat for our family. My poor Kater, was a little distressed because it was obvious the treat had milk in it. She is used to not being able to eat things, but every once in a while, it becomes a little much for an 8 year old! As her eyes were blinking quickly to avoid tears, he gets a big grin and says, "And just for you Kaitlin, a special treat!" I can't really describe how much it means to a mother to have someone care enough about your child to go out of their way for them. Simply put, it means the world. Amidst this month of annoyance (for lack of a better word), I've noticed that my eyes have been re-opened and I am starting to FEEL again. The other morning while I was in the shower (hehe!) I began singing the words to a song I haven't heard in ages, one of my old favorites by Michael McLean.

"Do you listen with love when someone heart is breaking,

Or do you simply choose which judgement you'll be making?

Well, it's time to turn around

And find out where your greatest joys are found."

Who knows why these lyrics came to my mind, but they struck me. My family and my dear friends mean so much to me. Am I giving them what I should? And most importantly, are my attitude and actions showing my Father in Heaven and Savior how much I love them? I have been involved in Primary for a little over 4 years now, and as much as I love it, sometimes it all becomes a little too much! Recently, I was frustrated and remember praying, "I have 4 little kids, Lord. I give enough just trying to be a good mom! Do I really need to deal with Primary, and all the meetings and callings, and everyone else's problems too?!" His response may have been a month of misery so I could change my perspective! Needless to say, I have seen anew all the good that goes on around me...and I am humbled and awed. My heart has been softened, to the point of almost continual tears, as I watch loving acts of kindness being given to those in need. These acts of kindness aren't huge, instead, they are just heartfelt offerings of whatever can be given. It reminds me of the Widow's mite - she didn't have much to give, but what she had, she gave. I am humbled and I am grateful for the love that is shown to our family and for the service and love that we are able to give to others. My favorite song has always been a different song by Michael McLean. (Something you didn't know about me - Michael McLean was an idol at our house. My dad knew him personally, so he often stayed at our home while he was in California touring. He even stayed in MY room! We own every CD he ever produced and I have most every song memorized! I absolutely love his music!) Anyway, I always loved "Who Will Be the Real Hero?" It always seemed to put into perspective what mattered in life. I would usually have it in my walkman (because that's what we had back then) and when I had a big race or game coming up, or when I had "boy trouble," or anything else difficult in my life, this is usually the song I would turn to! Funny thing - it still is! And somehow through the lyrics I end up feeling my Savior rooting for me, standing right beside me, saying,"You CAN make it and you CAN give a little more. It IS worth it."

I love this quote by President James E. Faust, "We do not prove our love for the Savior by doing 'some great thing.' We show our love for the Savior by doing the many small acts of faith, devotion and kindness to others that define our character."