There are still good people in the world

I went shopping at Costco yesterday so that Seth could study for his CFA Exam which is coming up this Saturday. On my way there I saw an incident of major road rage that almost caused an accident and could have resulted in great harm. I pondered on the impatience and anger of this person who didn’t seemed to care about anyone else.

I concluded my shopping, checked out, and wondered how I was going to get the watermelon I had bought from my car into my trunk; it had been difficult to get it into the cart in the first place, being 32 weeks pregnant.

I got to my car, and decided to try to tackle the most difficult thing first, so I struggled to get it into the trunk, which I did with difficulty and some strain on my back. A man nearby, a total stranger, saw my trouble, and he came over to ask if I needed a hand. He didn’t know me; he was probably in a hurry to get somewhere. But he saw a pregnant woman who was having a hard time, and he wanted to help. I was deeply touched by his willingness to help me, even though there were no more watermelons in my cart.

President Thomas S. Monson taught us about how important it is to open our eyes to the needs of others and help them. “Many years ago I heard a poem which has stayed with me, by which I have tried to guide my life. It’s one of my favorites:

I have wept in the night
For the shortness of sight
That to somebody’s need made me blind;
But I never have yet
Felt a tinge of regret
For being a little too kind. 9

My brothers and sisters, we are surrounded by those in need of our attention, our encouragement, our support, our comfort, our kindness—be they family members, friends, acquaintances, or strangers. We are the Lord’s hands here upon the earth, with the mandate to serve and to lift His children. He is dependent upon each of us. 

Find someone who is having a hard time or is ill or lonely, and do something for him or her.”

“What Have I Done for Someone Today?” Thomas S. Monson, President of the Church, October 2009 General Conference


There is something that each of us can do. I want to do better at seeing others' needs and doing something about it. It can be simple; it often only takes a few minutes. I wrote an email to my grandpa yesterday. I prayed for my husband. I mailed a note to my friend, Mable who is in her 70's. I called my friend Myrtle (who is also in her 70's) just to say hi and to invite her to come with me to a Relief Society Activity next week. These things didn't take long, but they made a difference to someone, and helped them to feel happier. We all have many opportunities to help.