I taught our youth this past Sunday- a Christmas lesson. My mom gave me the idea to tell the story of the Good Turn Diary- originally told by Elder Faust.
The story is a true one, and tells of a family at Christmas time- living during the Great Depression. The family of eight children had no money for gifts, but the oldest son had wrapped up a small diary for his father. When the father opened the gift, his eyes filled with tears and he said to his family, “this is the best Christmas present I’ve ever received.” The little book contained a good turn that his son had done for someone every single day of the past year. The son explained that he had wanted to give his father a present, but had no money, so he thoughtfully began recording the good that he had done for others as a way to honor his family and the Savior. With the family gathered round, the father displayed the book and all of the children began clapping with joy. The story tells that this family truly felt of the Christmas spirit that year.
I gave our youth a good turn diary, and I kept one for myself. And ever since I gave the lesson, I’ve focused more on the Christmas spirit and the good that others do for our family. There is the kindliest old man that greets me every day as I walk Evy to school. He never forgets to tell me that Dane and Evelyn are beautiful children. There is a sweet older lady that we run into at the grocery store almost every week…she always puts 25 cents in my hand and tells me to put it in Dane’s piggy bank. Really, she always does this and it never fails to put a smile on my face. The man who owns the market on our corner street runs to open the door every time I approach with the stroller and he is so good to us, entertaining the kids while I quickly grab a grocery or two.
All of these good turns I have taken time to appreciate and notice, more than I normally do. And, when Evy and I did our holiday baking, we made extra treats for these people that we encounter each week and who are always so kind to us.
As it turns out, giving a small gift to those who didn’t expect it in the least, has warmed my heart and has helped to make the week so special. And it was really such a small act of service on my part. I’m definitely hoping to fill my good turn diary this year with thoughtful acts that will honor my Savior.
