The Power of Goodness

We have observed true goodness this week.💗

At 99 years old, Vancene is a shining example of unwavering goodness, commitment and service. We love her💕

In the building our mission office is located members sign up to clean each Saturday. Vancene lives with her daughter and son-in-law. They signed up to clean the chapel and vacuum halls. While they were vacuuming…

Vancene set her cane aside and methodically moved from bench to bench dusting and organized every hymn book in the chapel. Making sure they were placed correctly, upright and front facing.

Quietly and diligently with no fan fare, taking pride in a job well done. True Goodness.

Someone once said “Observing and then serving is not always convenient and doesn’t always fit our own timetable but the opportunity to serve is a true blessing.” 

I met Wade 8 weeks ago. A recent amputee who would not look up, angry, embarrassed and frustrated with his current situation, yet knowing it was a blessing to have his leg removed which saved his life.

Learning how to walk again with a prosthetic has not been easy! 4 to 5 times a week 3 amazing men take turns bringing Wade to the church and walk the halls with him. A safe place to relearn.

At first he grumbled, complained and told me they were trying to kill him as they would say let’s go a little more. They are kind, consistent, encouraging and positive even though he let them know he was not happy.

This week he looked me in the eyes and with a half smile teased me saying “I think you live here”. I watched as he and his friend now talk and walk both enjoying the time together.

Goodness shared by these men who took the time to show Wade he was important has changed him and me too as I have watched the transformation.

“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (⁠John 13:35⁠).

Elder Davis asked one of our Service Missionaries Elder Berry if he could help him sort gas receipts. Elder Berry checked date, organized in months and made notes if something was odd. His exactness has been the perfect quality for the task❣️

I asked if I could take a picture of he and Elder Davis and he said yes but this is as close to a smile as I could get🥰 It has been a joy to get to know him♥️ He is a gifted pianist and has so much to offer.

We have members of our congregation here in Fishers that are hearing impaired. There are 4 brothers and sisters in the congregation who know sign language and take turns providing the signing for each meeting. As I watch the beauty of this language and the grace and expressions those who sign give, I am in awe. As they relay truths about the Savior with reverence and tender feeling, I am overcome with gratitude for their talents they have developed and now share.

The examples I have shared are simple yet powerful…a dust cloth and a willing heart, time and a listening ear, the opportunity to serve and the sharing of one’s talents causes a ripple effect of goodness that blesses so many.

There is a hymn about the Lord’s invitation to the work of goodness.

Have I done any good in the world today?

Have I helped anyone in need?

Have I cheered up the sad and made someone feel glad?

If not, I have failed indeed.

Has anyone’s burden been lighter today

Because I was willing to share?

Have the sick and the weary been helped on their way?

When they needed my help was I there?

Then wake up and do something more

Than dream of your mansion above.

Doing good is a pleasure, a joy beyond measure,

A blessing of duty and love.

“Recognize that God has given each of us power—the power to act, to choose, to serve, to love, and to accomplish much good⁠” Janette Hales Beckham

“When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God” (⁠Mosiah 2:17⁠).

Let us seek to serve, to be His hands. Let us observe those around us, then act on those promptings that come. Remember God knows our abilities, even a small act of goodness can make all the difference in the world to another.

How thankful we are to each one of you. You have served, supported, lifted and loved us and we are forever stronger, better and so grateful💖

YOU are NEEDED and YOU are LOVED❣️Make it a GREAT week by spreading Goodness🥰

❣️Skittles Elder Scott and Sister Kristy Davis