Small and simple=YES!

A couple of days ago, we noticed that our neighbors were moving out of the apartment complex.  They had a U-Haul outside and were struggling, the two of them, to get all of their furniture and house items from point A to point B.  Even though we had things to do and places to go, we asked them:

"Do you need some help?"

Those five words sparked a tremendous friendship.  They allowed us to help them, and after a little bit we had three more people from the church providing service to our neighbors whom we had never really met before.  It was long, hard, and painful at times, but being able to render charity to my neighbor and tend to their needs not only blessed their lives and situation, but touched my life in a very special way.

Now...... you might wonder how this all correlates with shining metal!

In the Book of Mormon, the scriptural records of ancient America were engraved upon metal plates so that they could be preserved for many generations to come.

In the Book of Alma, the prophet Alma is handing down the records to his son , Helaman, and teaching him about the importance of these records.  He counsels his son that because of their sacredness they need to retain their brightness and that the responsiblity of shining them belonged to him.  I can just imagine Helaman replying "But dad...", but Alma gives this timeless counsel:

"Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise.  And the Lord God doth work by means to bring about his great and eternal purposes; and by very small means the Lord doth confound the wise and bringeth about the salvation of many souls."

Shining metal is a small thing to do, but it brought about a great thing, in that we now have the Book of Mormon to help testify of Jesus Christ.  Asking that simple question to my former neighbors gave us a tremendous opportunity to express the "pure love of Christ."  Think of the small and simple ways that God blesses you in your everyday life.  We're able to breath, to walk, to communicate, to experience a beautiful day, to enjoy our families, to eat ice cream...

.... all small and simple things that bring us joy in life!  I'm so grateful for my Savior, Jesus Christ.  He is the source of all joy.  He makes it possible for us to erase the sorrow we bring upon ourselves, and through His Atonement we can return to live with Him someday!