Small and Simple Things

    Sometimes in life what we do isn't good enough. Now matter how much we do it always seems not to be enough in the eyes of the world. We burn ourselves out trying to fit in or please people, but we still feel like we have not accopmlished a thing. Doubt can be one of Satan's biggest tools against us. He want us to think that no matter what we do it is not good enough. He wants us to think that no matter how hard we try we will fail. Our loving Heavenly Father through his servants teach us differently. The prophet Alma in the Book of Mormon stated:  "Now ye may suppose that this is ^afoolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by ^bsmall and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise." (Alma 37:6)

     President Eyring and others in this video testify of the small and simple acts of others and the great impact they had on their lives.


    President Howard W. Hunter (1907–1995) taught that people who have honest doubts can overcome them and gain a stronger faith. “I have sympathy for young men and young women when honest doubts enter their minds and they engage in the great conflict of resolving doubts. These doubts can be resolved, if they have an honest desire to know the truth, by exercising moral, spiritual, and mental effort. They will emerge from the conflict into a firmer, stronger, larger faith because of the struggle. They have gone from a simple, trusting faith, through doubt and conflict, into a solid substantial faith which ripens into testimony” (1)

     Using the example of drip irrigation, Elder Bednar explained that “with drip irrigation, applications of water are more focused and more frequent than with . . . other methods.” Similarly, “if you and I are focused and frequent in receiving consistent drops of spiritual nourishment, then gospel roots can sink deep into our soul, can become firmly established and grounded, and can produce extraordinary and delicious fruit.” If we understand this, the pattern of small and simple things has greater power. This pattern “produces firmness and steadfastness, deepening devotion, and more complete conversion to the Lord Jesus Christ and His gospel.” In this way we become “increasingly steadfast and immovable” and “less prone to zealous and exaggerated spurts of spirituality followed by extended periods of slackness.” (2)

     I know that God wants us to be happy and overcome the trials that we face. I know that overcoming life's challenges is a process and takes time. As we take time to recognize the small and simple things in our lives that we do we will feel more useful in the world. We won't need to worry about what the world thinks about us. We will recognize ourselves as children of God who loves us and wants us to learn all we can here on earth. During your times of doubt and trials, take a little time to think of all the small and simiple things you are doing for others. I know that this will bring you a sense of belonging and a strength and a desire to do more.