In an insightful passage from C.S. Lewis' "The Screwtape Letters", the
devious Screwtape advises his devilish protege on how to more effectively
steal a man's soul...
"Do what you will, there is going
to be some benevolence, as well as some malice, in your patient's soul.
The great thing is to direct his malice to his immediate neighbors whom
he meets every day and to thrust his benevolence out to the remote circumference,
to people he does not know. The malice thus becomes wholly real and
the benevolence largely imaginary."
Lewis knew human nature. I remember as a young woman just learning to appreciate
the gospel, being filled with a vague, undirected love for "everybody in
the whole world." How strange that I should still be so willing to fight
with my own brothers! There were times when I broke my heart over baby
seals or saving whales, but forgot to feed my own patient dog. And the
list goes on and on. To learn to direct the charitable feelings that the
Spirit prompts within us, and apply our energies where they will be of
real use can be a difficult task. I still struggle with it when I read
the news and wish I could call down a miracle or a bolt of lightning from
heaven to change the world.
I need to stop reading the news and wishing for miracles. I need to be
a better visting teacher, a better mother, a better neighbor, a better
friend.
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Scores
SA:
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Medium-voice solo:
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SSA:
PDF
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SATB:
PDF
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Recordings
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Lyrics
Amid
the countless blessings the Lord has given me
The
light of truth and goodness; the Holy Spirit's peace
I
see the many sorrows that his children must endure
So
much hurt I long to heal. How can I change the world?
Chorus:
There
are hands I cannot hold
Hearts
I cannot comfort
Tears
that only miracles can stay
So
let me love and serve and teach
Those
who come within my reach
For
miracles begin that way
The
Savior walked in Galilee, unknown in many lands
Yet
touching every nation by the labors of his hands
Giving
light to all the world by teaching but the few
He
is my example in the work that I must do
(Repeat
chorus)
I will
bear the burden of my neighbor in his need
I
will share my Savior's love in every kindly deed
He
will magnify my efforts, and I'll understand at last
That
by these small and simple things are great things brought to pass.
(Repeat
chorus)
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Church Music Contest: Relief Society division--Award of Distinction 2000 (SSA version).
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