Do I Have Time for What is True?

When I look out the window and see my old neighbor struggling to rake his leaves, do I stop to help him? When I my friend calls and leaves a message saying she really needs to talk for a bit about a hard day do I ignore her call to study for my exam the next day? When one of my students asks for help during my free time outside of class, do I patiently give of my time and mentor ship or must I hurry to my next activity? The Lord has said, “Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great” (D&C 64:33). Some of the smallest things are some of the only things that will prevail, which ultimately makes them the most important.


If truth always has been, always will be, and presently is, (see previous blog), then what is true and what is not? A piece of furniture won't last forever, a nice outfit will turn to dust in a few hundred years, and our extra-curricular sports/activities will come and go. Cars, cell phones, computers and gadgets certainly aren't true and neither is any form of entertainment.

What has always been? What always will be? What is true? We are. Our spirits (also referred to as "intelligence" in the scriptures) always have existed and always will. In the Bible the Lord tells Jeremiah: "before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee... (Jeremiah 1:5)." The Lord knew each of us before the world was too and many of us (before coming to this earth) knew one another and enjoyed fellowship with one another.

Hence, friendship is an eternal principle. Friendship is true. Friendship always has been and always will be and is. Our relationships with those around us may be distanced by physical limits in this mortal life (if I move to another state I may not remain in contact with those where I used to live), but this is only temporary. Understanding that relationships can be extended beyond this life, and that they existed before this life helps us understand why it was so important for the Savior to be a very pleasant and perfect individual in all his relationships and dealings with each person. He understood that we cannot return to live with our Father without others. We need them and they need us (D&C 128).

Do I make time for truth? Do I make time for the people all around me, to smile when passing (or am I texting or self-focused walking from one place to the next)? One of the living 12 apostles today asks: "Do you take the time to remember some of the simple courtesies that are so important in relationships with others? Do you remember the smile, the compliment, the positive comment, and the word of encouragement? We should do these important little things without hesitation," (Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin). The next time I think, "I don't have time today..." to make this call, write that note, or do a simple act of service to another, I hope I can remember that the "little things" amount to exaltation.