April Presidency Message

What Have I Done For Someone Today?

Pres. Monson told a story of Dr. Jack McConnell, who learned a great life lesson from his parents.  Growing up in rural Virginia, he was one of seven children of a Methodist minister and a stay-at-home mother. Their circumstances were very humble. The doctor recounted that during his childhood, every day as the family sat around the dinner table, his father would ask each one in turn, “And what did you do for someone today?” The children were determined to do a good turn every day so they could report to their father that they had helped someone. Dr. McConnell calls this exercise his father’s most valuable legacy, for that expectation and those words inspired him and his siblings to help others throughout their lives. As they grew and matured, their motivation for providing service changed to an inner desire to help others.

Besides Dr. McConnell’s distinguished medical career—where he directed the development of the tuberculosis tine test, participated in the early development of the polio vaccine, supervised the development of Tylenol, and was instrumental in developing the magnetic resonance imaging procedure, or MRI—he created an organization he calls Volunteers in Medicine, which gives retired medical personnel a chance to volunteer at free clinics serving the working uninsured. Dr. McConnell said his leisure time since he retired has “evaporated into 60-hour weeks of unpaid work, but [his] energy level has increased and there is a satisfaction in [his] life that wasn’t there before.” He made this statement: “In one of those paradoxes of life, I have benefited more from Volunteers in Medicine than my patients have.” There are now over 70 such clinics across the United States.

What a great thing to ask yourself or your family members each day:  “What have I done for someone today?”  With this question on your mind, you will be more aware to look for even the smallest thing to help another person.  President David O. McKay made this statement: “Man’s greatest happiness comes from losing himself for the good of others.”

This month, our Relief Society Meeting, held on Thursday, April 30^th, will be a service opportunity.  We will be going to the homes of 2 of our dear sisters and doing a spring cleaning of their yards, flower beds and gardens.  Pay attention to the announcements for details on this opportunity.  As sisters working together to serve others, we will come away with an increased love for each other and the Savior.  Hopefully, it will be one of many things you can answer to yourself when you consider the question, “What have I done for someone today?”

With love and appreciation for each one of you,

Tracy