It has been a bit of a heart-wrenching week. You know the kind where each day brings knowledge of another friend’s or family member’s struggles, the really hard ones. The kind that you can’t help with, other than be there for them, and your prayers get longer and longer. Sometimes mortality is really heavy. In the midst of the weight though, the Lord often blesses us with a reminder that He is there.

My husband and I had the assignment to go on some visits this week as part of our respective church callings. We met at the church building at the designated time, joining with others from our ward and Stake leadership. After praying together and talking for a few minutes, we split up to visit with prayerfully selected members of our ward.

My heart was already a bit tender due to events of the week. I was also feeling a bit sentimental as these visits brought to mind previous opportunities my husband and I have enjoyed together. Over the years, we have had many chances to participate together in similar visits. It is always special. This night was no exception.

While he and I did not go together on visits, we did join back up all together at the church building after our appointments. Another discussion took place where we shared our experiences. As I sat listening to each of these good people talk about visiting a few of the amazing members of our ward, my heart was deeply touched.

I have come to know the members of the Stake leadership quite well as I am currently serving in a Stake capacity. My heart swelled with gratitude that these amazing people whom I have come to love and admire had the opportunity to meet some of the other amazing people my husband and I have loved and served over the years we have been in this ward.

I was brought to tears afterward as I reflected on the experience. I know some of the backstories of those visited. I know some of their difficulties and challenges. To see and hear of the love and Spirit shared that night was overwhelming. My heart stretched and grew in gratitude for those needs met.

It made me think of how each one of those visited was blessed, as were those who were doing the visiting. Both were edifyed. It is the Lord’s perfect plan for meeting the needs of His children. Since He is not here, He sends others to be His Hands. He asks each of us to be present and love as He does.

In Acts 17:27, we read that if we will “feel after him”, Jesus Christ, we will find him. The scripture continues, “…he be not far from every one of us”. Not very far at all. Sometimes even just next door, in the guise of a neighbor and friend. May we all live that way and act as He would.