Sounds like a bold prediction, doesn’t it? But stay with me. I think it’s a good exercise to slow down sometimes, and notice the little things that make life better. Too often we bemoan big things (“This whole generation is lost!” “Nobody gives customer service anymore!” “Everything is too expensive!”) and we forget to see the hopeful sprouts all around us.
Go to a supermarket aisle. When you have to walk in front of someone, and you say, “Excuse me,” listen for a soft “Mm-hm.” It’s usually there, a nicety, an acknowledgement for your manners, and a response to your request.
There’s something about this quaint custom that warms my heart. It shows good upbringing, caring for strangers, an awareness that we might inconvenience others, and gratitude for their kindness towards us. It’s excruciatingly small—just a fleeting moment in the cosmos—but it reminds me that we’re kind humans.
Nobody cares who you voted for, what sort of car you drive, really nothing about you matters at the moment, except your humble request to be excused. Extrapolating this to a larger scenario, we are people who would watch out for one another in danger. If the windows of that same supermarket were just been blown out and someone had shouted, “Everybody get down!” we would look for people nearby, clasp their hands, and silently commit to helping all get to safety.
Many people today are without hope, yet hope surrounds them. We are all children of our Heavenly Father—even those who don’t know it—and we innately care for one another.
I see these sweet signs of humanity when people bring their dogs to the vet, and say, “Sparky Evans” or “Pickles Anderson” as if they actually adopted these pets and legally gave them their last name. They struggled to find a good first name that fit, one they would love to say for as long as this little companion is theirs. And they post on social media with genuine grief when that little critter passes over the rainbow bridge.
And then you know what happens? Complete strangers comfort them, share their sorrow, and try to lift their spirits. They share poems, beautiful things they noticed in the photos, compliments on how lucky the dog or cat was to have them. I usually share our church’s belief that we will see our pets again. It’s our nature as God’s children to show compassion, to heal, and to help.
Sometimes the tiniest kind comment can become the precious jewel someone saves all their life. Think of a compliment you received as a child, which you still cherish. See? And the person who gave it to you probably has no idea how much that meant.
In our premortal life, which I like to call Preternity, we may have known everyone we’re here on earth with. We may have pledged to help each other, and it becomes a spiritual moment to acknowledge this swelling sea of kindness that actually surrounds us. Even something as small as saying “God bless you!” to a sneeze, is a tiny kindness that reminds us that the world is filled with good people.
This year, as we set goals and resolutions, let’s be sure to watch for—and generously give—these little moments that matter. How do I know they will make a big difference this year? Because they always make a big difference. Every year, every time.
Joni Hilton is a Latter-day Saint author, Seminary teacher, and shares life hacks at https://m.youtube.com/c/jonihilton. Her novel, Golden, is now an Amazon audiobook.
Corey D.January 5, 2025
I'm a service missionary at Welfare Square in what is called Transitional Services, we help those who are homeless, transient, just coming out of the jail system and recently arrived immigrants with short term emergency needs of food and clothing, there are those who come in with a demanding attitude or who get upset if they don't get as much as they want or exactly what they want but for the most part these people are very grateful and nice, many break down crying, especially the women, it's not a lot we give them but is more than they have had, many are headed back to the street and tell us on the way out they are going to share what they just got with their friend or friends on the street.
Ornella Brenna - ItaliaJanuary 4, 2025
It often happens to me, at the supermarket, to thank the clerks who are arranging the shelves, for their service, and every time I notice the change that occurs on their faces. Often it is surprise, because they would never have expected to be thanked for the work they do, knowing that they are paid to do it. Other times their tired faces light up with joy, as if they had received the greatest gift in the world. However, the greatest change is the one that happens in me: the day becomes bright, my personal burdens lighter and there is "music in my heart, a song to my King". These simple words: "Thank you for your service", said with sincerity, have immense power. PS: I apologize for any errors related to the automatic translation, because I do not know English.