We are the Lord's Hands

      Something I have noticed since I've gotten here at BYU, is that every single week someone is opening a mission call. I have been here for almost a month, and since I have gotten here I know of at least four people who have opened their calls within the last month, two people who are turning their papers in within the month, and countless amount of people who are working on their papers. Not only does it excite me for when it is my time to open my mission call, it completely amazes me that so many people are willing to put their lives on hold for the Lord.
      This past week, I read the talk "He Asks us to be His Hands" given by Sister Cheryl A. Esplin. She immediately quotes Christ by saying "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it." In regards to this quote, President Thomas S. Monson explained that "the Savior is telling us that unless we lose ourselves in service to others, there is little purpose to our own lives." Growing up in the church, I cannot recall how many times I have heard that we are all the Lord's hands. However, the true meaning of this statement has not hit me until recently.
     We really are the Lord's hands, so we must act as He would. We should all love our neighbor, and be kind to everyone, and give to those in need. Because that is what the Lord would do. The Lord would not let His sheep suffer and be lost in darkness. We, as His Hands, have the responsibility to help His children, whether it be to put our lives on hold to go serve a full time mission, or just reaching out to someone at church. Esplin explained "when we reach out in love and service even in the smallest ways, hearts are changed and softened as others feel the love of the Lord." I believe this is true for those who serve, and those being served. Service can do wonders, and though I still have a little more than a year till I leave for my mission, I plan to continually serve others.