“A story is told that during World War II, a large statue of Jesus Christ was severely damaged. When the townspeople found the statue among the rubble, they mourned because it had been a beloved symbol of their faith and of God’s presence in their lives.
Experts were able to repair most of the statue, but its hands had been damaged so severely that they could not be restored. Some suggested that they hire a sculptor to make new hands, but others wanted to leave it as it was – a permanent reminder of the tragedy of war. Ultimately, the statue remained without hands. However, the people of the city added on the base of the statue of Jesus Christ a sign with these words: 'You are my hands.'" (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Ensign, May 2010)
Whether you believe in Jesus Christ or not, the message of this story - being of use to others, serving others - is a powerful principle.
Too often we think the way to make a difference in the world is best accomplished on some grand, or at least semi-grand scale - like Bill and Melinda Gates with their foundation or through a local service organization. After all, there's so much need and pain in the world. How can we even begin to alleviate it if not on a large scale?
But, "by small and simple things are great things brought to pass." It would be impossible to measure the amount of good that can be done, the number of burdens that can be lifted, or the pain which may be alleviated through small acts of kind service given by thoughful people who make a practice of being aware and noticing what they might do for another along their way. Imagine how the world would change if each person simply acknowleged a passerby, dropped off a few cans of food at a local food bank, sent a card to or called a friend they were thinking of, treated the person behind the sales counter with respect, or took the time to genuinely listen to someone (especially if that person holds differing views).
The reality is that not everyone will do that, but we're not responsible for everyone. We are, however, responsible for ourselves. If I make the effort and do what's in my power to lighten the load of those within my circle of influence in whatever small way I can, I will have done my part to make the world a better place. That's all any of us can do. And it matters!
In our focus on growth and self-improvement, especiallly at the start of a new year, may we remember to look outward and find the bits of good we can do to be of service to those in our path. and each make the world a kinder place in our own small way.