I was struggling to find the motivation to write a Sunday post today, but really felt like I should. Then I went to ward prayer (a meeting Sunday nights in young single adult wards meant as a chance to start the week off with a spiritual thought and prayer for the ward).
The spiritual thought was shared by a young man who had the chance to meet with Sister Elaine S. Dalton (previous General Young Women's president). She talked to them about how each of us has a "custom made smile."
We each have a chance to make a difference in the world, right here, right now. To support this thought, the young man shared the story of Esther from the Old Testament.
When King Ahasuerus of Persia was looking for a new queen, he asked that all the fair young women of the kingdom come to the palace. Mordecai, a Jew who served in the palace, brought his niece, Esther. She was beautiful, and “the king loved Esther above all the women” (Esth. 2:17). She became his new queen.
The king placed a man named Haman over all the princes in his kingdom and ordered all the servants to bow before Haman. Mordecai refused to bow. This angered Haman, and when he discovered that Mordecai was a Jew, he decided to destroy all of the Jews.
Haman told the king that there was a people in his land who would not obey the laws and who, therefore, should be destroyed. The king agreed and offered a reward to those who would kill the Jews.
Esther and Mordecai realized that to save their people, Esther would have to go before the king and plead for them. This was a dangerous thing to do, because no one was to go before the king without being called. Esther asked that her people fast and pray for three days for her.
The fasting and prayers of her people gave the queen the courage to do what she needed to do. When she told the king of the wickedness of Haman, the king had him destroyed instead of Esther and her people.
I firmly believe each one of us has the power to accomplish something great at any moment in our lives. We are lead by the Holy Ghost to help those around us that are in need. Whether it be a simple hello, holding the door open, taking a meal to someone, helping someone move, being a good listener, or a shoulder to cry on. It may be that you are placed in a calling specifically to help someone grow or learn. You may be a roommate to someone who needs your love, support, and patience. It may be something you are recognized for or something you never realize you did. BUT YOU DID IT.
So, wear your custom smile, be yourself, and make a difference.
