Small and Simple Things

"Behold I say unto you that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass" (Alma 37:6)

I had a special experience today that touched my heart. Over the last month or so, my mind was continually drawn to one of my Laurels. This was a girl who I thought the world of. She has an amzing personality, good sense of humor, awesome talents, beautiful, etc. But as I watched her the past month, I sensed that there was something going on behind the scenes. There were times I'd look at her face, and I saw the darkness I've felt at different times in my life reflecting back at me. It felt like one of those times spoken of in a blessing, where the depression I'd experienced would give me the empathy to help someone else suffering through it. After awhile, I felt a strong prompting that I needed to write her a letter. I'm 28 years old, and you'd think I'd be more mature, but I was scared. I get scared butting into other people's private lives, but my calling has been good in pushing me to do things even though I might be scared. So I sat down and wrote her a long letter. I told her what I suspected, shared experiences, told her how amazing and special she was, and that if I was wrong, she could just write it off as a crazy example that Sister Roberts loved her. I also attached a great talk by President Benson: Do Not Despair. It has great suggestions on how to cope with depression. Anyway, I was so nervous to give it to her, but I did. She didn't say anything to me about it, and I didn't feel prompted to bring it up. I had no idea how she took it. Well today, I heard from her. She wrote,

"I don't think you realize how very right you are. In the letter you mentioned that the Lord sends us angels to help us. You are my angel. I remember when you were first called to be the YW president that I had this feeling that you were going to be really important. As time went on, I couldn't help but notice our many, many similarities. Then, reading your letter, it all became very clear. God put us into each other's lives for a reason. For years I have been so confused as to why I couldn't just be happy like everyone else, like I used to be. Part of me know all along what it was, but I didn't want to accept it. I didn't want to be able to put a name on it, because that makes it seem more powerful, more permanent. But I know that you're right.... Reading and hearing your testimony and seeing your strength now gives me hope that I have never found in anything else....Now that I've finally accepted what I'm up against, it's been a lot easier to try and do something about it. Even in these few short weeks there has been a difference, however small."

As I read this, I was so touched. Heavenly Father loves this daughter so much. He knew her situation, when most everyone around her was blind to it, and He opened my eyes, that I might minister to her in the most simple of ways. As I've thought about it, I've pondered about the fact that I could have easily shrugged off my promptings to reach out to this girl. I could have easily chickened out and tried something else I was more comfortable with. And what a tragedy that would have been. I don't think we realize how big of an impact simple kindnesses towards others can have. I am so grateful that I followed the promptings, and hope that I always can. I know that Heavenly Father is aware of us. He knows what we have need of. He does send angels into our lives to strengthen and comfort us. And most of the time, those angels are the people walking among us. I am so grateful for a Heavenly Father who can lead and guide me and magnify my efforts that I might be His servant and do His word.

Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought...for which we will praise his name forever” (Alma 26:12).