The idea of ministering as you go really quells my anxieties about being where I’m supposed to be. When I’m running my errands, I can show up. I can show up at the garden nursery and at the grocery store. I can show up where I am and do small acts of service.
A few months ago, I was flying to Arizona to visit my family. As soon as I walked into the airport, I had this overwhelming feeling that there was someone I was supposed to find and help. I am not usually a very altruistic person at airports. I remember thinking, What on earth is this? But I was up to the task.
I went through security but didn’t see anyone. After security, I went to the food court and sat down to do some work. There was a woman next to me who was talking on the phone. I overheard that she was talking to a county sheriff’s department.
She said, “I’m calling because my little brother passed away in a car accident yesterday.”
My heart sank. I remember thinking, Well, we found her. But I’ve never been through that kind of grief—I didn’t really know what to say or do. I had to think quickly because she could leave at any moment.
I looked up and saw a mini-mart. I thought, If I were in her shoes, I would not have eaten in the past 24 hours. So, I got up and went to the mini-mart and bought some fruit, protein bars, utensils, and napkins, and put it all together.
I walked up to her and said, “I overheard your conversation, and I’m just so sorry. I don’t know what else to say, but I thought you might need some energy on your way home.” I handed her the bag, and she burst into tears.
She said, “I’m on my way to see my family, so it’s going to be okay. We’re going to get through it together.”
I said, “Yes, you will.”
We hugged, and that was that. I don’t know how much of a difference it made. But I had a purpose to serve, and I served it. That is our personal ministry—to seek out the one and listen to promptings wherever we go. When we do this, we’re exactly where the Lord wants us to be.
Editor’s note: This article first appeared in the March/April issue of LDS Living Magazine.
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