Have I done any good in the world today?

This week I was drawn to some beautiful purple flowers buzzing with bumble bees collecting pollen. It reminded of a conference talk by Elder M. Russell Ballard. He taught how honeybees work together in the hive, and the important work of each bee. He said, "Though seemingly insignificant when compared to the total, each bee's one-twelfth of a teaspoon of honey is vital to the life of the hive.

Work that would be overwhelming for a few bees becomes lighter because all faithfully do their part". (Be Anxiously Engaged, October 2012)

As humanitarian missionaries we certainly are seeing a wide assortment of ways to help the poor and needy. 

One day this week, we visited a night shelter for the homeless where the facility was a large drafty old warehouse without any insulation. They accept anyone who comes to the door and have over 100 beds scattered throughout the open floor. Summer may be okay but long cold winter's below freezing can be tough to endure.

One euro gets you a bowl of soup and some bread with a bed and blanket. We applaud the staff who work very hard to provide the homeless and unemployed some place to lay their head. 

These indigent folks have often caused their own demise through addictions, laziness, or poor choices. But others suffer mental illness or the fate of poverty and lack of skills. Either way they fail to become a productive human being and unable to live up to their potential.

The next day we visited an orphanage for about 90 children.

We saw dozens of children lying in beds with permanent serious physical and mental challenges due to birth defects and disabilities. The "angel" caretakers and nurses were attentive for the children who could not provide for themselves. Many needed feeding tubes while others were spoon feed. A hospital nearby provides much needed medical assistance and care. These children are wards of the state through no fault of their own and are trying to live life the best they can despite their circumstances.

The organization is expecting to add 50 more children in the coming months. The average age of the children is between 7 and 11 years old. We may be involved in a project here in the near future. 

Both these facilities were difficult to walk through and see the tough realities of life. Some had a choice in their fate, while others did not. Especially children unable to grow up in a home with a family. As a mother, I am extremely grateful and blessed for healthy children that God entrusted me.

In church, we sing, "Have I done any good in the world today? Have I helped anyone in need?" (Hymn 223) I am so thankful to the Lord for allowing me to serve this mission and to be an instrument, to help the poor and needy. 

President Spencer W. Kimball said, "God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs. Therefore, it is vital that we serve each other."