"...We have been made instruments in the hands of God to bring about this great work" (Alma 26:23)

I am so blessed to live close by many temples, which makes it easy for me to attend frequently. One of the things I have noticed is that the matrons who work there are always so kind  and gracious as I leave. They are always telling me, "Thank you for coming today" (learn more about temple service here). I am so grateful for these wonderful women (and men) who choose to sacrifice their time to serve in the temple so that I can attend the temple.

As I observe these sisters, I often wonder if they realize that they are living the teachings of the Book of Mormon prophet, King Benjamin. He taught: "And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God" (Mosiah 2:17). I have often been very unaware of doing service myself, and feel rather nervous or embarrassed when someone says something about my seemingly insignificant acts of kindness because I often think that it is just a small thing and really isn't that big of a deal. But truly, the small acts of encouragement, the small efforts we each make to express love, kindness, sincere appreciation for others, it all adds up and makes a "great" difference! We are the instruments God uses to express His love for all His children. What a tender blessing for us and those we serve!

Another small act of kindness that has often brightened my day is the friendly waves, smiles, honks, and cheers of encouragement as I ride my trike. Those, oh so seemingly small gestures, a wave with all five fingers, make such a huge difference as I ride uphill at a snails pace or fly downhill at breakneck speeds. Just as Alma says to his son Helaman, I say, "Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise" (Alma 37:6). Thank you for lifting me and help me achieve more than I can on my own. This goes for everyone who practices being kind, loving, encouraging, cheerful, and so many other small random acts of Christian love. These "small  and simple things" help make a difference in "a world filled with chaos" (Sacred Homes, Sacred Temples) but most often, we have no idea of just how significant that difference really is.

This leads me back to those sweet sisters (and brothers) who so valiantly serve in the temple each week. Their diligence of being at their posts to serve and help bring about this "great work" is quite humbling. It is amazing to ponder the power of temple work, through the service of those who are matrons and those who are patrons because it is the efforts of many that help "...bring about immortality and eternal life of man" (Moses 1:39), which is God's work. "Behold, how many of them are brought to behold the marvelous light of God! And this is the blessing which hath been bestowed upon us, that we have been made instruments in the hands of God to bring about this great work" (Alma 26:23). What a joy to be a part of this great work, to help God in His work of the salvation of all men, women, and children (see 2 Nephi 9:21).

Those seemingly small and unimportant acts of kindness add up and make a great difference in the lives of God's children, and that's all of us. Thank you for your service, especially when it goes unnoticed.