https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3n-DOKBffuU

This week, one of my close friends was having a couple of rough days. It seemed as if nothing was going his way and that everything that could have been going wrong, was. He was getting really hard on himself and I tried to help him out but it seemed as if my efforts were pointless. Suddenly, I had the thought to show him the Mormon Message called "You Never Know". In the Mormon Message, it shows the life of a busy mom who is trying to help everybody out. She is constantly serving others and lifting others up. At the end of the video she tries to go and do something for herself and it falls through. She had spent so much time and effort doing things for other people that she didn't have time for herself. She starting thinking back on the day and soon realized that maybe she hadn't done everything that SHE needed to do that day, but that she had accomplished all the things that He needed her to do. The video shows various instances where she tried to help someone else and how much those individuals benefited from her help and service. Though she may not have seen the impact she had, she greatly affected these people. 

Our efforts are never wasted. Sometimes we feel as if we are not enough. That we aren't fulfilling our potential or living up to the expectations that others have set for us. But it is important to take a step back and try to see the bigger picture. Seeing our lives through the eyes of God can change our attitude on a bad day and strengthen us in times of need. We can't do it all on our own.

In 2 Nephi 25 it reads, "...for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do" (2 Nephi 25:23).

We put forth all the effort we need to in order to help others come unto Christ. At times, it may seem that our efforts are wasted, but know that no effort is wasted. Our good intentions can help many and strengthen them in their faith. Christ has made the ultimate sacrifice for each one of us. As we keep our life centered on Him and His Atonement, we can better come to know the sacrifice He made for us as we sacrifice and serve others.