Have I Done Any Good Today?

I love birthdays.

I turned 22 two days ago (how's that for a tongue twister?). I can't remember ever taking part in a more meaningful celebration. That's because friends and family from all over the country were celebrating with me.

Eddie, Edward Cullen and I
with a sectioned strawberry cupcake

My companion, Elder Hussey, and my Spanish brothers, Elder Lewis and Elder Fisher, pitched in to surprise  me with a fashionable Cross pen. Another group of missionaries presented me with a strawberry cupcake—candle and singing and all—complete with a musical, Twilight-themed birthday card. (There is no correlation between the card and my taste in entertainment)

A friend dropped in to give me a dozen neon-frosted cupcakes. At dinner, another friend surprised me with a piece of Hershey's chocolate pie, adorned with candles and accompanied by another refrain of "Happy Birthday". Next day a letter from Grandma and package from family arrived. They sent me—among other things—a new tie; a t-shirt emblazoned with the words Manti, Utah; cash; candy; and lots of love.

Why am I telling you this? Because it made my day!

More cupcakes! Aren't they attractive?

Birthdays come just once a year, but kindness is in vogue everyday. No, Mom, I'm not suggesting you need to mail me another package. And no, friends in Franklin, I'm not lobbying for more groceries and goodies.

I just want to applaud you for bringing a lot of good into my life. On special days and normal days—amid cupcakes and candies and Cross pens or without them—you make me feel important and loved. That's what the Savior would do. He went about doing good and so have you.

So I ask myself, have I done any good in the world today? Here to remind me and you of that daily duty is Will Thompson, author and composer of the jaunty hymn from which this post derives its name. Alternatively, check out this eclectic arrangement by Alex Boye and Carmen Rasmussen Herbert.

MORE ONLINE
The Virtue of Kindness, Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin
The Merciful Obtain Mercy, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
What Have I Done for Someone Today?, President Thomas S. Monson