"By small means, great things come to pass..."

As I was sitting in sacrament meeting today a couple of testimonies were borne that caused me to ponder about the small things that happens in our lives. A sister stood and expressed that when she bears her testimony she always feels inadequate as she does not have major stories of faith or any other gospel principle to share. As she said this I had a quote pop into my head from the movie "Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration" it is "By small means. great things come to pass". I then took the rest of fast and testimony meeting thinking about some examples of small acts that bring great results. I was able to think of three topics in which this principle is true. One being small acts of choice, second faith, and third obedience.

As I thought about how small choices affect our lives I had a thought of one of President Monson's talks in general conference concerning a fence hing, he said in his opening remarks that "It has been said that the gate of history turns on small hinges, and so do people’s lives. The choices we make determine our destiny." As I thought about this I thought about my choice about serving a mission. It may not be a big choice to make when you think about your life and how many years you have but the consequences are going to be enormous no matter what your choice is. I now think back about my mission and think of all the great blessings that have come from serving it. One I found my eternal companion which is by far one of the greatest blessings from my mission. Another blessing was the testimony and personal witnesses that I have received concerning the restoration of Christ's church, and seeing daily miracles in my life. My mission has definitely been a small choice in my life that has greatly blessed my life for the eternities to come.

I then thought about the small acts of faith that have greatly blessed certain individuals lives. Most of the examples that I was able to think of have not only greatly blessed those individuals but also us as well. Joseph Smith's humble prayer was through a small act of faith. This small act of faith did not only lead Joseph to learning some precious truths about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, but led to the reorganization of Christ's church again on the earth. I thought about how greatly my life has been affected from this simple action, because of this I have been able to be sealed to my wife and family for all of eternity. I have also been able to learn about the characteristics of my Father in heaven and my savior Jesus Christ, which has truly blessed my life and those that I have come into contact with. Another example of faith that has greatly blessed my life is through the teachings of Alma. A testimony is kindled upon small acts of faith, and it is with that testimony that I have greatly learned how to be a better person and to progress my life closer to what my savior would want for me.

Last but not least is that we are able to see great things come to pass through small acts of obedience. It is through obedience that the Nephites were able to see the face of the resurrected Savior. This is my favorite part of the Book of Mormon as the Lord fulfills his promises that he has made to those that left Jerusalem, and it also is to the world another witness that Jesus is the Christ. Joseph Smith taught that obedience is one of the governing laws of heaven, and it is due to our obedience that we receive any blessings from God. Obedience to God also brings further enlightenment, as it is how we are able to enter the house of the Lord. Little did you or I know that a small phrase in a testimony would lead to a discourse of personal feelings and opinions. What I do know is that God loves us and is looking to bless us in anyway He can, He is also looking for ways to help us reach His children and bring the fullness of the Gospel to them. It is my pray that I may be able to always remember the Lord's plan and help out in Heavenly Father reaching His goal: "To bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man."