A Savior is Born

Music Monday

Prayer

Choir Notes

The Process of Life

From Music and the Spoken Word

Delivered By: Lloyd D. Newell

When a young family moved into their first home, they decided to build a playhouse for the kids in the backyard. The parents and children threw their hearts into the project, carefully selecting the wood, the shingles, and all the supplies. Great pride and satisfaction swelled in their hearts as it took shape. When friends came to play, the children would proudly show them how the playhouse was coming along. And the first thing they said to Dad when he came home from work was, “When can we work on our playhouse?”

But when the playhouse was finished, the parents noticed that the children rarely played in it. They discovered “that having the house wasn’t really what motivated them. It was the building of it, and how they felt about their own contribution, that they found satisfying."1 Turns out it was the process that was important, not the finished product.

You’ve probably experienced this yourself. It’s a common phenomenon: A championship team rejoices when they raise the trophy, but they also cherish the smaller victories and defeats throughout the season. Parents feel proud on their son’s wedding day, but the memories that persist are of the smaller, simpler moments of his childhood. A college graduate is grateful for the diploma she receives, but what she’ll long remember are the long nights studying for finals, the professors who inspired her, and the excitement she felt every time she learned something new. It seems that getting there is indeed half the fun—and almost all of the memories.

So instead of waiting only for something to end, try to enjoy the moments along the way. Though there may be difficulties and wearisome effort, don’t be so eager for the destination that you miss the simple joys of the journey. Remember what the family learned from their playhouse—real growth and bonding and learning come in all of life’s ages and stages, not just at the end.

1 See Clayton Christensen and others, How Will You Measure Your Life? (2012), 37–38.

Choir Notes

We All Need Love

From Music and the Spoken Word

Delivered By: Lloyd D. Newell

We all know that food, water, and shelter are essential to sustain life. But there’s another basic need that is too often overlooked—the need to love and be loved. Gentle touches, soft words, sweet smiles, and adoring looks nurture our soul in a way that nothing else can. No matter how old or young, we all need love.

Recently, a man noticed that his once-energetic dog had become old and tired. The same dog who used to bound into his arms when he walked through the door now barely lifted an ear when she heard him coming. Where she once followed her master eagerly wherever he went, now she rested on her bed most of the day, every day. She didn’t even run to her food dish at mealtimes like she used to.

In fact, it seemed that the only time she had energy enough to lift her tired, achy body was when she saw her master petting the cat. When that happened, the dog would slowly rise from her bed, gently amble over, and press her body against the man’s leg until he petted her too. As soon as he did, she contentedly wagged her tail. The dog’s needs for food and exercise had diminished, but her need for love was as strong as ever. Even though she was old—perhaps especially because she was old—she still needed to be loved.

People are much the same. We never outgrow the need to be loved. A woman with a lot of experience caring for the elderly observed that often, older people who live alone do not have occasion to feel the warmth of a human touch. So the woman made it a point to hold their hands, hug them, or pat their backs when she was with them. She noticed how much they appreciated even these small acts of affection.

Don’t we all? And don’t we need, just as much, the emotional uplift that comes from expressing love? Loving others is the essence of living a good life. For “God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God” (1 John 4:16).

Choir Notes

Walk On

From Music and the Spoken Word

Delivered By: Lloyd D. Newell

The sometimes tragic experiences of the early American pioneers are more than just interesting history lessons. Though they took place over a century and a half ago, they can serve as an inspiration to us today. Such is the case with the story of James and Sarah Ferguson McDonald.

James and Sarah were Irish immigrants with dreams of making a new home and building a better life for their family in the American West. In the spring of 1850, they started across the vast American plains as members of a large wagon train of pioneers with similar dreams.

Tragedy struck the family soon after they began. James contracted the dreaded disease cholera and died within 24 hours. He was buried in the trackless prairie on the banks of the Platte River. That evening, Sarah settled the children into their beds and then, with an aching heart and tired feet, went down to the river to wash off the dust of a terrible day. As she put her bare feet into the cool water, Sarah felt “the strong current of the river, and the thought came to her, in her grief, of how easy it would be to slide into the water,” sink into the depths, and join her dear husband in death.1 But just then one of her young children called out to her, and she knew she had to carry on for them. She dried her feet, put on her shoes, and went back to the wagon.

The next day, Sarah paused one last time at the grave of her husband. Then, looking west, she and her children walked on.

Sarah eventually established her family in the Rocky Mountains. She lived a long and productive life, and her posterity—which now number in the thousands—are grateful for the faith, hope, and perseverance of their pioneer grandmother.

The courageous example of Sarah Ferguson McDonald and many, many others like her inspires us all, especially when our hearts ache, our feet are tired, or we face a fearful future. Even then, we can remember inspiring examples from the past and walk on.

1 “Important Events in the History of the James McDonald Family, 1841–1850,” Church History Library, history.lds.org/overlandtravels/trailExcerptMulti?lang=eng&pioneerId=5348&sourceId=42089.

Choir Notes

What They May Become

From Music and the Spoken Word

Delivered By: Lloyd D. Newell 

John Trebonius was a humble schoolteacher in Germany many years ago. He was known for the unusually respectful attitude he showed toward the young people in his classroom. Even when they seemed a little unruly, he would treat them well. “Who knows?” he would say. “There may be among my pupils a great poet, a great preacher, a great philosopher!"1 Although it was the Germanic custom of the day for professors to keep their hats on when entering the schoolroom, John Trebonius always removed his, explaining, “I do not know but that there sits among [these students] one who will change the destiny of mankind. I take off my hat in deference to what they may become."2

Sitting in that classroom, under the influence of that wise and gentle man, was a young Martin Luther, whose courage and convictions did indeed change the world.

People like John Trebonius who treat people according to their potential—who they can become rather than who they currently seem to be—can have a powerful influence on others. Their positive expectations inspire us to reach a little higher, do a little more, and become all that we can be.

Truly, we are surrounded by greatness—or, at least, potential greatness. Given time, people can, and often do, surprise us. The neighborhood boy who made mischief may turn into a great teacher, inventor, or civic leader . The little girl next door may become a noted scientist, artist, or journalist. And both have the potential to become exceptional adults, parents, and neighbors. Life is a long walk on a long road, and we never know what the future may bring for those within our influence. But we do know that human potential is limitless.

So remember the story of John Trebonius from long ago, and take off your hat in respect for what the future may bring.

1 In David O. McKay, “Building Souls into Immortality—a Teacher’s Responsibility,” Instructor, June 1968, 213.
2 In Marion D. Hanks, The Gift of Self (1974), 126.

Choir Notes

A Feeling That Nurtures the Soul

From Music and the Spoken Word

Delivered By: Lloyd D. Newell

Happiness and gratitude are linked together inseparably. Those who are grateful tend to be happier, and those who are happy tend to be more grateful. Happiness and gratitude simply go together. Scholars and scientists, poets and philosophers have connected them for generations.

We tend to think of gratitude primarily as a byproduct of happiness—when life is good and things are going our way, we feel thankful. But this is only half of the truth.  Those who choose to be grateful even during hard times discover that gratitude creates happiness. Gratitude to God for everything around us awakens wonder and awe; it stimulates kindness and affection; it deepens humility and creates space in the heart for love and warmth. Gratitude is not just a reaction to our quality of life—it is how we determine our quality of life. Indeed, happiness inspires gratitude, but gratitude also inspires happiness.

The words of British writer G. K. Chesterton remind us how we can practice gratitude all the time:
You say grace before meals.
All right.
But I say grace before the play and the opera,
And grace before the concert and pantomime,
And grace before I open a book,
And grace before sketching, painting,
Swimming, fencing, boxing, walking, playing, dancing;
And grace before I dip the pen in the ink.

True gratitude is a way of life, a perception and perspective that can change our lives for the better. And like any habit or skill, an attitude of gratitude just needs to be deliberately developed so that happiness can take root and flourish.

Rabbi Harold Kushner, another noted writer, suggested that gratitude requires focus and concentration. He said, “Can you see the holiness in those things you take for granted—a paved road or a washing machine? If you concentrate on finding what is good in every situation, you will discover that your life will suddenly be filled with gratitude, a feeling that nurtures the soul."2

1 “A Grace,” G. K. Chesterton: Collected Works, 36 vols. (1986–2011), 10:43.
2 “God’s Fingerprints on the Soul,” in Richard Carlson and Benjamin Shield, eds., Handbook for the Soul, (1995), np.

Choir Notes

What Can You Do?

From Music and the Spoken Word

Delivered By: Lloyd D. Newell

In an elementary school classroom filled with energetic children, the teacher asks the students to respond to two questions. The first question is “What do you like most about living in America?” The answers come quickly: the beautiful land and scenery, the lakes and mountains, the many things to do and see, the freedom, the people, and on and on. After the children finish their responses, the teacher asks a second and more important question: “So what can you do to make America better?”

It’s one thing to appreciate America’s history and uniqueness and marvel at its beauty and prosperity; it’s another thing to take an active part in preserving its strengths, perpetuating its ideals, and defending the values it holds dear. America is best loved up close and personal, not at a detached distance. And, of course, while extraordinary, America is not without vexing problems and concerns. But a country doesn’t have to be perfect to be beloved. In fact, our love for our country is what inspires us to find ways to overcome its flaws and shortcomings. And one thing we love so much about America is the freedom and opportunity it grants us to tirelessly pursue improvement and progression.

We make our nation better by getting informed and involved in good causes, by working together despite our differences, by helping each other and lifting those around us.

As a nation, we will remain strong and free if we constructively work to improve our communities. We will continue to stand as a light of liberty for the world if we uphold the values and principles upon which this nation was founded.

True patriots are those who cherish freedom and do their part to improve and strengthen the land they love. We would do well to answer the question posed to the schoolchildren: “What can you do to make it better?”

Choir Notes

 
"For When I Am Weak, Then Am I Strong"

From Music and the Spoken Word

Delivered By: Lloyd D. Newell

The Bible records that the Apostle Paul had what he called “a thorn in the flesh”—a trial or difficulty that helped to keep him humble and steadfast. He asked the Lord three times to take it from him, but it remained. Yet Paul came to see divine purpose in his infirmities and hardships, declaring with great wisdom, “For when I am weak, then am I strong.”

At times, for each of us, the path of life seems to be all uphill, filled with obstacles and hazards. But these struggles are not meant to stop us or discourage us. They are meant to change us. If we face our challenges with all of the courage, patience, and faith we have—undoubtedly developing a great deal more in the process—we’ll reach the top of that hill and make an important discovery: In the journey of life, the destination is not as important as what we become along the way.

From that elevated perspective, we may notice that our hardships were the very things we needed to make us better and stronger. Becoming our best self often happens because of—rather than in spite of—unfavorable circumstances. Our greatest trials can become our greatest teachers.

It was this truth that inspired an unknown author to pen these words: 

I asked God for strength that I might achieve.
I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked for health that I might do greater things.
I was given infirmity that I might do better things.
I asked for riches that I might be happy.
I was given poverty that I might be wise.
I asked for power that I might have the praise of men.
I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things that I might enjoy life.
I was given life that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I asked for but everything I needed.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am … most richly blessed.

Choir Notes

Fatherhood Moments

From Music and the Spoken Word

Delivered By: Lloyd D. Newell

At times, every father wonders, “Where did the time go?” Children who just yesterday were so small, so dependent on us, so eager to spend time with us, suddenly become so grown up, so independent, and so anxious to find their own place in the world. The years speed on, and they seem to go faster each day.

So where did the time go? Simply put, we lived it. Perhaps by remembering this we will be more inclined to make the most of the time we still have and live it well. We can cherish the meaningful moments, large and small, that helped to shape our children—and us. We can hold on to the happy memories and even remember the mistakes—but only long enough to learn from them—and then move on. Starting today, we can build strong relationships with our children, moment by moment.

A grown son reflected on the good times he had with his father while growing up. Interestingly, the moments he remembered most clearly were neither expensive nor exotic. They were seemingly small exchanges between father and son: conversations, shared experiences, campouts, projects they completed together. By far his most meaningful memories were a series of simple moments when his father demonstrated love.

In many ways, it seems easier for fathers to move up the professional ladder than to be engaged in the life of the home. And yet the loving presence of an attentive father makes such a big difference. He is more than just a guest in his home; he strives to take advantage of every opportunity, every precious moment, to build bridges to his children—and grandchildren. It’s often not easy, and takes great patience and wisdom, but there can be no greater or more meaningful work than the work we do within the walls of our home.1

Being a successful father is not so much about doing a few extraordinary things as it is about diligently doing many simple things. It’s making the most of fatherhood moments, day by day, year after year, before they slip away.

1 See Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Harold B. Lee (2000), 134.

Choir Notes

The Root of Good Manners

From Music and the Spoken Word

Delivered By: Lloyd D. Newell

Actor John Rhys-Davies sometimes speaks to young people about overcoming shyness. He says that it is quite natural to feel shy, to be uncomfortable in a room of strangers. His advice? “Turn it the other way around and think, ‘I’m walking into a room full of very shy people, and my job is to make them feel at ease and comfortable in their situation.’ That is really the root of good manners: making the people around you feel comfortable."

Some people are so skilled at making others feel comfortable. They’re genuinely interested in others; they’re kind and thoughtful; they’re easy to be around. Instead of focusing on themselves, they choose to be considerate and responsive, and they seem to take sincere joy in making people happy.

It’s easy to assume that some people are just naturally outgoing—that it comes easily to them—and the rest of us simply aren’t that way. But the fact is that with a little effort and practice, anyone can choose to be open, loving, and warm. That might mean we attentively listen, or we think, “What can I learn from this person?” For others, it might mean we speak up a little more or make the effort to meet someone new.

No matter whether you are an introvert or an extrovert, you can learn to put others at ease. A young woman who left friends and family to attend college discovered this simple truth. When she began to extend herself, she found that more often than not, people welcomed her outreach. They, too, wanted a friend. They began to feel comfortable around her, and she made new friends wherever she went. She found that by making simple introductions and finding out about others, she could help people relax in her company and enjoy being around her.

The skill of good manners is not beyond anyone’s reach—at its roots, it’s simply a matter of forgetting ourselves and helping others feel comfortable.

1 In R. Scott Lloyd, “British Actor John Rhys-Davies ‘Flies’ during Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert,” Deseret News, Dec. 14, 2013, B6.

Choir Notes

Choose Not to Be Offended

From Music and the Spoken Word

Delivered By: Lloyd D. Newell 

Much of the joy we experience in life comes from our interaction with other people. For the most part, our associations are pleasant and cause little or no distress, but every now and then the actions of others can offend or even hurt us.

It seems to be a natural part of the human experience that we will, on occasion, be offended by someone. Criticism from a family member, a misunderstanding at work, or the unkind behavior of a neighbor—any of these can cause offense. It’s basically unavoidable: at some time, the behavior of another person will run counter to what we hoped would happen, and our feelings are hurt. When these painful moments occur, we have a choice to make. We can either choose to harbor feelings of resentment, or we can choose to deal with the offense in a constructive way and let go of the negative feelings.

It’s normal to become angry or frustrated with others, but hanging on to those feelings or even letting them grow and fester is not necessary. Though we may be the victim of someone else’s thoughtlessness, we are victimized a second time when we choose to hold on to our hurt feelings.

Even if we can’t escape being offended, we can at least avoid the destructive results.

It is far better to make the choice to recognize the suffering caused by bad feelings and then put an end to them—to find a way, with kindness and compassion for yourself and for the offending party, to resolve the matter positively. As we apply the truth in the Proverb “A soft answer turneth away wrath,"1 we can eventually achieve what the Psalmist promised: “Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them."2 The initial pain of offense may be inevitable, but the ongoing suffering is optional, if we choose not to be offended.

1 Proverbs 15:1.
2 Psalm 119:165

The BEST Lord's Prayer EVER

Choir Notes

Honoring Our Heroes

From Music and the Spoken Word

Delivered By: Lloyd D. Newell

On February 3, 1943, the U.S. Army troopship Dorchester, part of a naval convoy, steamed steadily across the icy waters of the North Atlantic Ocean en route to World War II’s European front. On board were 900 soldiers.  The seas were rough, and the stretch was treacherous; German submarines were known to lurk below in what was called “torpedo alley.”

At 12:55 a.m. a German submarine fired three torpedoes at the Dorchester. One ripped into the middle of the ship, and it swiftly began to sink. Chaos erupted on board. Several soldiers were killed; several more were injured. Some men jumped overboard. Four army chaplains—Protestant ministers George Fox and Clark Poling, Catholic priest John Washington, and Jewish rabbi Alexander Goode—were among the first to reach the top deck. Doing what chaplains do, they immediately began providing comfort, guidance, and hope. Calmly and systematically they distributed life jackets and, when the supply ran out, took off their own life jackets, handed them to the panicked soldiers, and pointed them to waiting lifeboats.

As the ship slid beneath the surface, soldiers in lifeboats caught one last look at the chaplains standing on the hull of the ship, arm-in-arm, praying. Rescue ships pulled 230 to safety that night, but almost 700 died.

The four chaplains were not among the survivors.

John Ladd, one of the survivors who witnessed the chaplains’ selfless acts, later said, “It was the finest thing I have seen or hope to see this side of heaven.”1

Today, from a veterans memorial cemetery at Camp Williams in Utah, we honor all those who gave their lives in service to our country. We remember that faith and selflessness are fundamental to honorable living. Their examples teach us where faith and selflessness lead and what courage, compassion, and sacrifice really mean. May we recognize and value these qualities in others and strive to develop them in ourselves.

1 See “The Saga of the Four Chaplains,” fourchaplains.org/story.html.

Choir Notes

It's Not the Best, But It Could Be Worse

From Music and the Spoken Word

Delivered By: Lloyd D. Newell

A sweet older woman recently shared her perspective on life, developed over many years of navigating all its ups and downs. She said, “My health is not the best, but it could be worse. My money situation is not the best, but it could be worse. My life right now may not be the best, but it could be worse.” Her words revealed none of the despair nor the pride of comparing herself to others but the happiness and peace that comes of perspective, of remembering that things can always get better—and in the meantime, faith and hope can carry us through.

Most of us could say the same thing, no matter our age: our life may not be the best, but it could be worse. That understanding can keep us from overreacting not only to our challenges but also to our successes. It will help smooth out the rocky stretches of life and help us appreciate the smooth spots. The more we experience of life, the more we realize that, eventually, good things usually come to good people who stay the course and do their best.

When a mother hears her grown children share their worries and anxieties about their own children, she wisely says, “It could be worse.” When a husband and wife talk of tight finances or stressful jobs, they remind themselves, “It could be worse.” And when a busy high schooler frets about grades and friends and too much to do, it may be helpful to think, “It could be worse.” There may be a rare occasion when things really are as bad as they could possibly be, but that’s unusual. Given time and effort, very often things get better. Until then, understanding that life is relatively good and blessings are all around us will enlarge our perspective and increase our peace of mind.

So in the coming days and when life seems especially hard, it may be helpful to remember: things may not be the best, but they could be worse.

Choir Notes

Thanks to Mothers

From Music and the Spoken Word

Delivered By: Lloyd D. Newell

When children are small, they thank their mothers all day long—and not always with words. Their delighted squeals express gratitude when their mothers push them on the swings. Their eyes sparkle with appreciation when their mothers feed them. They whisper thanks as they snuggle close when their mothers read them bedtime stories. Though sometimes unspoken, their gratitude feels natural and spontaneous—almost involuntary. It is simply part of their countenance and disposition.
Mothers cherish those expressions of gratitude. They treasure the pictures they draw, the crafts they make, the notes they write, and the words they speak. They keep them close to their hearts and memorize their sentiments. Mothers love to know that they are loved and appreciated.

But sometimes things change as children grow older. Sometimes children get so busy, so preoccupied, and so stressed that they may forget to thank their mothers, who do so much for them. Some children may even come to expect the help they are given. Worse yet, they may feel entitled and stop feeling grateful.

The Lord warned against such ingratitude in the fifth of His Ten Commandments: “Honor thy father and thy mother” (Exodus 20:12). Honoring, like gratitude, is much more than words—it’s a way of living. And when it is sincere, it shows in our every action.

Cards, flowers, and gifts on holidays are wonderful, but the best kinds of thanks are the unexpected: the heartfelt expressions of love that come for no apparent reason—the whole year long. When a grown daughter calls her mother just to talk, when a grown son stops by to bring his mother a favorite treat, when children and grandchildren make efforts to involve Grandmother in their lives—these are the expressions of thanks that bind one generation to the next. These are the days that mothers never forget; the days that help mothers know they are loved, appreciated, and remembered now and forever.

Choir Notes

Teamwork

From Music and the Spoken Word

Delivered By: Lloyd D. Newell

When we think of good teamwork, we often think of championship sports teams who work together to accomplish great things. But a community can also be a team, each citizen joining in common causes for the betterment of society. A workplace is a team, each worker contributing to the success of the company or organization. And then there’s the ultimate “home team”—the family, with each member helping the others to achieve more than they could ever do alone. In all aspects of life, we need each other. We need people doing their best and giving their best for the benefit and progress of the whole.

Some may prefer to “go it alone”—to move independently through life and not rely on others. But that’s impossible. We all eat food we didn’t grow, we wear clothes we didn’t sew, and we find it easier to reach our goals because of the efforts of a team. For example, an author may write a compelling book alone, but a team of people gets it published and on the shelf. A composer can create a masterpiece alone, but it often takes a team of performers to bring it to life.

Not long ago, a series of canyon fires over the summer caused mudslides and flooding that ravaged a small town. One homeowner, who for many years had prized his fierce independence, was especially hard-hit. His yard was flooded, leaving a mess too massive and too expensive to take on alone. As he wondered how he would recover, a large team of neighbors and volunteers, without being asked, set to work to repair the damage. The man came to realize that he needed others—and others needed him. That’s the value of teamwork: together everyone accomplishes more than they could ever do alone.

Just as teamwork wins championships, teamwork also builds strength and character, teaches leadership and cooperation, and develops discipline and trust. Nothing builds closeness and camaraderie like joining together in a good cause.

Choir Notes

The Buddy System

From Music and the Spoken Word

Delivered By: Lloyd D. Newell 

Most of the time we manage to get through each day without asking anyone for help.  We want to be independent, and so it’s hard to admit sometimes that there are circumstances when it’s necessary to rely on others.  But some things are just better done in pairs, as the words of the scripture remind us: “Two are better than one; . . . For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow.”1

A pair of beginning scuba divers was exploring an underwater cave when one of the divers accidentally lost his mouthpiece.  Because he was inexperienced, he panicked and was not able to retrieve the mouthpiece.  Desperate for air, he gave his partner a signal that let him know he was in trouble.  His partner responded according to emergency procedures he’d learned in class.  He gave away his own mouthpiece; then found his backup for himself.  When they safely reached the surface, the two divers embraced and laughed like children.  Were it not for what those scuba divers called the buddy system, the struggling diver might not have survived.

Although friends are rarely needed to protect us from peril in our everyday lives, we may need them to help us with ordinary difficulties.  A good friend is willing to labor with us when a physical challenge is beyond our capacity.  There are many jobs that are too much for one person.  When our judgment is lacking on a particular issue, a wise friend can offer insightful suggestions.  Friends can help us see our struggles objectively from a perspective we never thought of before.  And just when it seems as though nobody in the world cares about us, a loyal friend may show up on our doorstep and prove otherwise.

Two are better than one.  Friends often have the ability to lift us up in ways we cannot do by ourselves.  The buddy system is a lot more than just a good safeguard for scuba divers.  It’s a way of life.

1 Ecclesiastes 4:9-10.

Choir Notes

The Abundant Life

From Music and the Spoken Word

Delivered By: Lloyd D. Newell

The appropriately named Dead Sea is one of the saltiest bodies of water on earth. As a result, it cannot support life. Neither plants nor fish or other animals can receive any nourishment from its salty waters.

Approximately 100 miles to the north is another sea, the Sea of Galilee. Its fresh water has supported commercial fishing for over 2,000 years. Plants grow freely along its shoreline, and water is pumped from the Sea of Galilee to supply drinking water to nearby countries.
The difference between these two neighboring seas is that the Dead Sea has no outlet. Water flows in from the Jordan River, but no water flows out; it keeps every drop. By contrast, for every drop of water that the Sea of Galilee receives, it gives away in equal measure.

Long ago, author Bruce Barton, noting this difference, made the following observation: “The Sea of Galilee gives and lives. The other sea gives nothing. It is named the ‘Dead Sea.’ There are two [kinds of] seas. … There are two kinds of people.”1

Are we the kind of people who give—and live? Are other people strengthened, even enlivened, after spending time with us? Or do we drain the life out of others? If we find ourselves taking more than we’re giving, there are simple ways to reverse that trend. We can start today by finding someone to encourage, to help, or to uplift.

Especially at this Easter season, when we celebrate renewal and rebirth, when we rejoice in the promise of the abundant life offered by the Master who “went about doing good,”2 we might pause to remember that only in giving of ourselves do we truly live. The miracle of such giving is that the more we give to others, the more we have to give. If, however, we withhold compliments, praise, or good works, we feel depleted. So turn the tide in your favor, and give of yourself to others—one drop of kindness at a time.

1 In Clyde E. Nichols, Lift Up Your Eyes (2011), 274.
2 Acts 10:38.