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TheDiscipleMD

A number of years ago I spoke at a baptism of a man whose wife has been a member for many years. I had been the family’s Bishop many years ago when the sister had joined the church. In my remarks I emotionally recounted and thanked her for being kind enough to bring me soup many times while I was serving as Bishop. Somehow she had found out that I liked a good soup and knowing that I would not have time to go home between meetings and interviews, she, on numerous occasions, brought homemade soup to the Bishop’s office for me. I have never forgotten her small gesture of kindness and I said to her that day, “It is the little things that make a difference!”

Sometimes we are in a position to do “big” things and affect the lives of many. But most of the time we serve by doing small things that can have a profound influence on “just the one”. This past May was my birthday. I was touched by a sister who I home teach that called and left a message on my voice mail. She thanked me for being her home teacher and then wished me a “Happy Birthday”. Everyone thinks that a “man” doesn’t care about such things, but they are wrong. Somehow the “little” things seem to linger!

Many people have served me over the years, some by making great sacrifices. Their great acts of kindness will never be forgotten! But sometimes we don’t have the means, time or opportunity to give others great bouquets of flowers or fancy meals. However, “little acts” of kindness can be just as powerful.  Single flowers when placed together over time, can make for a beautiful and unforgettable arrangement!

So what is the worth of a single bowl of soup to a busy church leader?  Well I can testify that the taste of the soup has long since left my mouth, but the memory of a caring sister still lingers in my heart going on twenty years!