Tuesday, May 11, 2010

"Not Too Far From Here"

Two weeks ago I went to Women's Conference at BYU. The theme was "Scatter Sunshine" and I felt very strongly that I need to get out and serve others more. The last year and a half I have been very focused on my own family. Now I feel like I need to be doing something more. I have always remembered the advice my dad gave me when I was in my first year of college and was having a rough time. I wrote him an email complaining about things and his response was not what I expected. I expected some sympathy and maybe a little encouragement in the form of "You can do it!" But what I got was exactly what I needed. He said "Go out and serve someone!" You know what...it works. The more we forget ourselves the happier we can be.

Here is a song called "Not Too Far From Here" by Dallyn Vail Bayles. It expresses my feelings and desires so well.

Somebody's down to their last dime
Somebody's running out of time
Not too far from here
Somebody's got nowhere else to go
Somebody needs a little hope
Not too far from here
And I may not know their name
But I'm praying just the same
That you'll use me, Lord, to wipe away a tear
'Cause somebody's crying
Not too far from here
Somebody's troubled and confused
Somebody's got nothing left to lose
Not too far from here
Somebody's forgotten how to trust
And somebody's dying for love
Not too far from here
It may be a stranger's face
But I'm praying for Your grace
To move in me and take away the fear
'Cause somebody's hurting
Not too far from here
Help me, Lord, not to turn away from pain
Help me not to rest while those around me weep
Give me Your strength and compassion
When somebody finds the road of life too steep
Somebody's troubled and confused
Somebody's got nothing left to lose
Not too far from here
Somebody's forgotten how to trust
And somebody's dying for love
Not too far from here
Now I'm letting down my guard
And I'm opening my heart
help me speak Your love to ev'ry needful ear
Someone is waiting
Not too far from here
Someone is waiting
Not too far from here