Great things sometimes come from small packages

This is a saying that I have heard for years. The first time I can actually remember hearing it was in 4th grade when my class did a musical called great kings come in small packages. The performance was all based on powerful and strong kings from the scriptures that came in less than likely packages (what can I say I went to a private baptist school). Since then it has been expressed in different experiences. It was brought to the forefront of my life today when I finished my shift at work and headed out to a service project organized by women from my stake and the surrounding area. I did not feel like I really contributed much, an hour of time crocheting closed, balls that had been stuffed with soft centers that were being sent to different parts of the world, and making school bags to be sent to Nigeria. After the project was completed we all had some soup for dinner before listening to a broadcast of speakers. At dinner however, the organizers spoke about the service that had been going on in Small Town X over the last 14 weeks. It was summarized as follows. In Small Town X in the last 14 weeks, 4000 hours of service had been given, an average of 6 quilts per week were created, there was an average of 58 people per service day working, and today alone in 2 hours 605 school bags were made, 78 hygiene kits were put together, 4 baby quilts and 2 regular quilts sewed, and over a hundred stuffed toys were completed. Being in the midst of all these caring and compassionate women was incredible. They offered their time and talents with love and joy in their hearts. I know that this kind of love is shown in places all over the world, there was just a special feeling in Small Town X tonight. That such a small and perhaps overlooked spot in the world could offer what they have to individuals all over the planet was touching. The final speaker of the evening spoke about the flower forget-me-nots. When talking about what the five petals of this small but beautiful flower represented he said, forget not that you are loved by your Heavenly Father. I can imagine that every person, including myself, has felt forgotten or insignificant at one time or another. That their existence was valueless and that their meager contributions to this earthly experience would go unnoticed. What I was reminded of tonight through both word and action is that there is no individual on this earth that lacks inherent worth and value. And though their contribution may seem small at first, it can mean so much in the life of another. Having been the recipient of others' kindness I know that sometimes it is the small acts of love that mean the most. I was the recipient of such gifts as friends I care dearly about took time out of their busy schedules to come to a birthday dinner in the middle of the week. That sent messages and texts and made calls that meant so much more than I could ever express. Small Town X has taught me once again, that it is not about the destination, but the journey and to forget not to be happy now.