LOVE: The measure of our love is the measure
of the greatness of our souls. Joseph B. Wirthlin
Joseph B. Wirthlin was a beloved religious leader for many years in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. One year in the Church's annual General Conference in Salt Lake City, he gave a really thought- provoking talk about the Great Commandment, which is first to love God, then
love our neighbor as ourselves.
He reminded us Joseph Smith taught, "Whoever is filled with the love of God, that person will not be content to take care of his family only. He—and she—will be busy with taking care of others wherever they go."
In doing those simple acts of love for others we are fulfilling the second part of the Great Commandment to love our neighbor. That is how we fulfill the law of Christ, by bearing one another’s burdens, because both commandments are necessary.
Elder Wirthlin said, “Love is the beginning, the middle, and the end of the pathway of discipleship. It comforts, counsels, cures, and consoles. It leads us through valleys of darkness and through the veil of death. In the end love leads us to the glory and grandeur of eternal life.”
It is interesting to note that
the greatest love is not the dramatic kind with which poets and writers have
filled volumes. Instead, it is the
everyday simple acts of kindness and caring we have the opportunity to bestow
along our daily path.
A popular television series when I was growing up was “Father Knows Best”. I didn’t particularly like Kathy, the youngest of the three children in the TV family, but one episode featuring her character has remained in my memory as a prod to "do those little things” that just might make someone else’s day.
The plot of that particular episode centered on the elderly school janitor who was retiring. In it he was honored for his service to the elementary school and was given an opportunity to say a few words at his farewell celebration. He said that one student had done something for him that meant more to him than anything else. Everyone in the school audience was buzzing back and forth with each other trying to remember ANY interaction they had had with this old gentleman—other than just treating him as the janitor. Several of them were sure it was something they had done but come to find out it was Kathy. She had done something so simple, she didn’t even remember she had done it. Kathy had offered the janitor a piece of gum. That was it, nothing more!
One of “life’s little rules” is to complement three people every day. Good advice, so I determined I would try to make three compliments each flight when I was a flight attendant with United Airlines. When I did, what a difference it made to most of the people. They looked up, smiled, and were genuinely pleased someone noticed them. I am not suggesting that three compliments are equal to ministering to the sick, giving food and drink to the hungry, visiting those in prison, or giving succor to the weak, I’m just saying we never know what “little thing” may make a difference in someone’s life. And don’t forget, your family is still your most important neighbor. Don’t leave them out of your loop of caring. Sometimes they need it more than anyone else you might know.
We have great examples all around us of people who love and are "loving”, Christ being the foremost through His Atonement.
Can you remember a time in your life when someone loved you, in spite of your mistakes, in spite of your shortcomings? Stretch yourself to become like the person who “succored” you.
Think often on this last reminder about the important subject of love__
"Love is the key to happiness in this life…It is the one trait that, if developed, will most improve our lives.”
I sincerely believe this is true. keep LOVE alive all year long--not just in February!
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