Chapter 19: Do What You Can Do

* I didn't have as much time to write today, but I thought I would still post what I've written so far for this chapter. (I added more content on July 23, 2020.)

I once listened to a BYU women’s conference talk by Dr. John Lund titled, “The Myth We Call Perfection.” Part of his counsel is to love much and do what YOU can do. He emphasized this point from the story of Mary anointing Jesus prior to his burial. (This was Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus.) In this situation, Jesus said she loved much (Luke 7:36-50) and did what she could (Mark 14:3-9). He also defended the good she was doing to some of the disciples who were upset by what they thought was wasted money on the expensive ointment.  (See also John 12:1-9 and Matthew 26:6-13.)

During my experience of visiting approximately 500 women, I learned that it’s not necessary to have a casserole, a loaf of homemade bread, yummy baked goods, or flowers in hand to visit someone. I just needed to reach out in the spirit of love and do what I personally could do! Some women may feel very comfortable serving with those gifts in their hands and that’s great. It's equally great if you serve in your own, unique way also. I have been really thankful for the hymn, “Have I Done Any Good?” It begins: “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?” Then the counsel to, “Go and do something today.” Notice that it doesn’t say we need to do everything for everybody. Just something for somebody!

Henry B. Eyring makes an additional point. He said, “When I was a young man, I served as counselor to a wise district president in the Church. He tried to teach me. One of the things I remember wondering about was this advice he gave: ‘When you meet someone, treat them as if they were in serious trouble, and you will be right more than half the time.’ I thought then that he was pessimistic. Now, more than 40 years later, I can see how well he understood the world and life” (“In the Strength of the Lord,” Ensign, April 2004). During my visits, I learned how true that advice was. Without exception, every single one of us are dealing with difficult and sometimes complex struggles. Showing a little extra love and kindness really matters! Ian Maclerin gives similar counsel, “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” And my good friend’s mantra is “You’ll never regret being kind.” So, do what you can do, rather than what you think everyone else is doing.

In Luke 10:38-42, we read about a different situation with that same Mary and her sister, Martha. “Now it came to pass, as they went, that (Jesus) entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Unfortunately, Martha is sometimes criticized for her part in this story, but I believe that both of these women are good, good people and are doing what they personally can do in that situation. They each offer a different type of service to the Savior. I also believe each of us have characteristics of both of these good women. We all need to attend to the details of daily living to care for the needs of our families. However, I need to remind myself often to not be so anxious and preoccupied about them that it affects the amount of time I spend on the more essential spiritual things.

 Hilary Weeks, my favorite inspirational singer, wrote a song titled “Give Ye to Me” (on her I Will Not Forget CD in 2001). The lyrics tell of another story from the Bible and I share them with her permission.

The disciples watched the crowd

As they heard the Savior’s words

And afternoon sun began to fade

And seeing their need the Lord said give them to eat

Then we’ll rest for a time on the shore

But Lord there aren’t enough fishes or bread

So how will the people be fed

And he said…

Chorus

Give ye to me all that you have to offer

And I will bless it and I will make it more

And you will have all that you need

Though it seems there’s not enough

I’ll make the difference up

Give ye to me

There are times in my life

When I feel overwhelmed

And the days just slip through my hands

And even though I try I fall further behind

And I wonder why I started at all

But somehow louder than the doubt and fear

There is hope in the words that I hear…

Repeat chorus

And after all I can do

There will still be a debt to be paid

But through his mercy and grace

He’ll say…

Give ye to me all that you have to offer

And I will bless you and I will make you whole

And you will be all that you need

Though it seems there’s not enough

I’ll make the difference up

Give ye to me

 The truth is, there are times in all of our lives when we’re just not enough on our own. We have a need, a lack, or an inadequacy. However, when we give what we have to Jesus, then He can make it into so much more. Miracles are always possible with Him. With His help, we can all do what we can do and then He will magnify our efforts.