Doing Your Part

This past weekend was a good resurgence of long term energy that I needed. We had the opportunity to attend Stake Conference at our church. Stake Conference occurs twice a year, where multiple congregations in a geographical area come together for two days of counsel, leadership and instruction from church leaders, as well as others who have been invited to speak. This occurs in three, two hour meeting blocks.

The thing that had the most impact to me was at the Saturday evening meeting where all adults 18 and older were invited to attend to talk candidly about the issues that all of us face in the world. Most recently the pending economic uncertainty, to youth and young adults who may be having a hard time with addictions that are prevalent in the world today, everyone is bombarded with family or friends who are struggling and having a hard time. The phrase, “Every Member [of the church], needs to be a Member,” really stuck out in my mind. It cannot be a handful of people in our religious community trying to make a world of difference. It takes initiative from everyone to make an impact not only in a religious community, but in all other social circles.

I immediately thought of taking this to the next level. “Every Human needs to be a Humanitarian.” If we all made a concerted effort to be more involved in the lives of other people, not only in our chosen religious communities, but in all circles of life, things really would be better for everyone around us. Despite hard times, we all truly have so much in our lives. People’s attitudes towards others would also change and be more optimistic in general. When I get involved and give of my time and talents willingly, and not begrudgingly, I truly walk away from the opportunity uplifted and am glad that I took the time out of my personal schedule to help someone else. Whether this be helping someone move, taking a meal to someone who is shut in or financially having a hard time, giving someone a ride, visiting a widow or widower, or doing some yard work for someone. I’m really exited to look for ways that I can help other people have a better life, even if it’s only a few moments at a time. The long term benefit this can have in my own life is incalculable. I have so much to be grateful for in my life. The least I can do is pay it forward from time to time.