One hundred days before becoming a centenarian, Russell M. Nelson, prophet and president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, posted the following on his social media accounts:
“I am soon approaching my 100th birthday. One of the places where the Savior used the number 100 in the scriptures was the parable of the lost sheep. Though 99 of his flock were safely by his side, the shepherd went in search of the 1 who was lost.
“At age 99, I have no need of physical gifts. But one spiritual offering that would brighten my life is for each of us to reach out to ‘the one’ in our lives who may be feeling lost or alone.
“Over the coming months, I invite you to consider prayerfully: who do you know who may be discouraged? Who might you need to reconcile with or ask for forgiveness? Has one name been on your mind lately, though you haven’t quite known why? As you bring these questions to the Lord, He will inspire you to know how you can reach out and lift one who needs help.
“What a beautiful example the Savior has shown us – that through each of us ministering to just one within our reach, we can spread the love of Jesus Christ throughout the world. #99plus1”
Locally, the Escalante Stake Relief Society Presidency has planned an event where participants can report on acts of service they have done, anonymously or otherwise. They are calling it 100 Acts of Service and intend to send a birthday message to the prophet showing him our love for him and the Savior through these offerings.
This is an invitation to participate, whether you are a member of the church or not. Service is the balm that heals the giver as much as the recipient. Perhaps you will decide to smile at 100 strangers or plant flowers, or sit with one sick friend, etc. Whatever you choose to do, it will improve you and the world we all live in.
A celebration of the 100 Acts of Service will be held in September for everyone to enjoy. The time and place will be announced in the next issue of the Byway.
– by Karen Munson, The Byway
Feature image caption: President Russell M. Nelson of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Courtesy of Russell M. Nelson/Facebook.
Karen M. Munson – Escalante
Karen is an associate editor at The Byway. She is fascinated and fulfilled by all things involved with writing. After graduating from BYU, she taught English at Escalante High School for three years. She pursues opportunities to write and support others in their writing. Karen has published three books with four more scheduled to be released in 2024. She and Reed are the parents of ten children and the grandparents of 35 grandchildren.
Karen is the author of two columns in The Byway, A New Twist on Mental Health and Lyle’s Corner.