Here Doing Good

As one lays down own’s head each night, there’s an important question to ask: “Have I done any good in the world today?’

There are many people in the world who are doing good things, but are we, individually, doing good things in our own spheres of influence? Often these are small acts of kindness, sometimes the random acts of kindness encouraged by groups such as Life Vest Inside and Pay It Forward Foundation. We can never know the extent of what these acts can do.

When considering this question, one may want to think of the words to the LDS Hymn “Have I Done Any Good?“:

Have I done any good in the world today?
Have I helped anyone in need?
Have I cheered up the sad and made someone feel glad?
If not, I have failed indeed.

Has anyone’s burden been lighter today
Because I was willing to share?
Have the sick and the weary been helped on their way?
When they needed my help was I there?

There are chances for work all around just now,
Opportunities right in our way.
Do not let them pass by, saying, “Sometime I’ll try,’
But go and do something today.

‘Tis noble of man to work and to give;
Love’s labor has merit alone.
Only he who does something helps others to live.
To God each good work will be known.
Then wake up and do something more
Than dream of your mansion above.
Doing good is a pleasure, a joy beyond measure,
A blessing of duty and love.

Now, I could go through and analyze each of the lines, as they are full of meaning. But, I think I’ll just leave that special experience to each one of you individually. Instead, I’ll close this post with a rendition of this hymn by Alex Boyé and Carmen Rasmusen Herbert, showcasing Helping Hands:

Tonight, ask yourself the question. Good night.