https://www.lds.org/ensign/2015/03/small-and-simple-acts-of-service?lang=eng
Quilt Story printed in March 2015 Ensign...this was the final proof. It was shorted for printing.
Small and Simple Acts of Service
Relief Society sisters can become instruments in the hands of God by
finding small and simple ways to serve.
President Thomas S. Monson has reminded Relief Society sisters: “You
are . . . surrounded by opportunities for service. . . . Often small acts of service
are all that is required to lift and bless another.”1 Lani Axman of Arizona, USA,
has found this to be true (see her story below). “Making a difference in the
world can happen in the day-to-day moments all around us,” she writes. “We
don’t have to look far to find opportunities to lift others. Our service needs only
love to make it powerful.”
Here four Latter-day Saints share experiences from their lives when sisters’
acts of service, both big and small, have comforted and helped them and others
in their time of need.
More Than Quilts
Mom’s cancer had returned and she knew her time was short, but she set a
goal to make a unique quilt for each of her 11 grandchildren. This goal kept her
focused and gave her hope. She spent hours designing each quilt, purchasing
the fabric, and cutting out the pieces. Mom was always so sure she would
complete this project that she had everyone convinced she wouldn’t die until it
was done. And with so many quilts to do, we felt sure she had plenty of time
left.
The first time I heard her admit she might not be able to finish the quilts was
just two weeks before she died. Seeing her weakened condition, the sisters in
her Relief Society came to help her finish what she could not. They gathered up
the quilts and told Mom they would finish them.
I remember Mom calling me to say how pleased she was that each
Ensign/Jan. 2015/Small and Simple/copyedited/page 2
grandchild would have a quilt and how much she appreciated the love of the
sisters in her ward. She was so relieved. Speaking now took a lot of effort, but
she never stopped praising the women who had come to her aid.
When Mom passed away, the quilts were far from done. That evening about
50 sisters set up quilt frames all over the church cultural hall and lovingly tied
and bound each of the quilts. By the day of the funeral, each quilt was finished
and had the name of one of Mom’s grandchildren lovingly embroidered on it. In
the end, our family was left with more than quilts to remember Mom by; we
were left with the Christlike example of love, service, and compassion that these
Relief Society sisters displayed.
Shelly Griffin, Utah, USA
Note
1. Thomas S. Monson, “Three Goals to Guide You,” Ensign, Nov. 2007, 120.
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