We Uplift

As I look back over the past week, I see a community.  Not the kind with HOA rules and regulations.  Nor the kind where you have to pay your dues. I see a community where people use their proverbial assets to uplift and strengthen each other without any expectations.  Let me explain...

My thoughts on the subject stem from a selfless act of service.  It was a drizzly, no good day.  A small group of friends and I were in the car, on the way to see the Avengers. Mind you, I had two grown men in the back of my car.  They were grinning from ear to ear because a dear friend of mine and I had agreed to first, let them come along, and second, change our movie pick from a chick flick to the Avengers.  Once we were on our way, one of the guys in the backseat got a phone call.  It was from a friend who unexpectedly found herself in the emergency room.  Without a moment's hesitation, he gave up his only night off work early to drive almost a half hour away plus the additional time in rush-hour traffic to offer a Priesthood blessing.  Priesthood holders who are willing and worthy to serve are a blessing in the lives of so many.  I admire their humility, charity, and selflessness.  In the end, he spent the night with his friend in the ER.  He "slept" in a suit and tie and woke up early to drive another half hour to work without any complaint.  In fact, I'm pretty sure I'm one of the only people who knows about his sacrifice.

The next day was horrible for me.  Old wounds were opened, bad news delivered, and an overwhelming sense of hopelessness and inadequacy set in.  Looking for support is new for me, and I must admit I am very awkward when I seek help.  I called my best friend, whom I know will be in my life forever, through thick and thin.  She mourned with me, she tried her best to bear my burdens, and comforted me in ways that only a best friend knows how.  She truly uplifted me.  "Mackenzie, don't be afraid to make life better for yourself."  That sentence has pushed me through a continuing difficult week.  She spent over an hour on the phone with me and finally got me to laugh.  I am grateful for good friends who pick up and listen to your woes and then are able to get you to smile when you really don't want to.

Sunday rolled around and I once again gave a lesson to a room full of people.  The lesson went well, but I still was shaking and sweating a little after church ended.  As I drove home, I realized the immense amount of pollen on my windshield.  As I went to turn on the windshield wiper fluid, I saw a small card tucked away in my wipers.  The moment I arrived at home, I opened it.  It was an anonymous letter of appreciation and love.  Though I will probably never know who it is from, I know it was guided by a prompting of the Spirit.  Another moment of uplift and strength.  The beneficiary had no idea how awful my week was and how worthless I felt.  However, she knew just what to write and when I needed it.  Thank you to whoever that special person is.  

Amidst the trials and turmoils in this world, there are people who uplift and elevate us to levels that we could not reach on our own.  I love the goodness of God manifest in people.  They are truly angels on earth.