iIt’s the little things that really make a difference.

Like being kind to others, lifting where you stand, and getting back up over and over.

Mark Bennett is one who is a beautiful example of this.

“Give,” said the little stream,
“Give, oh! give, give, oh! give.”
“Give,” said the little stream,
As it hurried down the hill;
“I’m small, I know, but wherever I go
The fields grow greener still.”

Mark is a neighbor, friend, and a church leader. A few years ago he was the bishop of our local ward congregation. One of his responsibilities at the time was to also lead the young men, particularly the 16-19 year old Priests who our son Brenin was one of. They had a great relationship and Brenin had the opportunity to serve and grow under the leadership of Bishop Bennett.

Brenin grew up, served two years as a missionary, did some college, and joined the Air Force. Over those many years, the relationship continued. Periodically, probably more than Elisa and I realize, Bishop Bennett would reach out to Brenin with a call or text, checking in, saying hello.

“Give,” said the little rain,
“Give, oh! give, give, oh! give.”
“Give,” said the little rain,
As it fell upon the flow’rs;
“I’ll raise their drooping heads again,”
As it fell upon the flow’rs.

Like a little stream of water slowly meandering along nourishing the fields to “grow greener still,” or a gentle rain raising “drooping heads” once again,  such has been the little efforts of Bishop Bennett.

Give, then, as Jesus gives,
Give, oh! give, give, oh! give.
Give, then, as Jesus gives;
There is something all can give.
Do as the streams and blossoms do:
For God and others live.

Singing, singing all the day,
“Give away, oh! give away.”
Singing, singing all the day,
“Give, oh! give away.”

Give, Said The Little Stream was a favorite of Elisa’s father, George Buddy Peterson, and it was sung at his funeral service by a group of Spanish primary children. As their beautiful voices shared their love for Bud, they echoed their praise for He who gives life to the little streams and gentle rains.

May we each also discover such a beautiful blessing.

Have A Beautiful Sunday! We Love You!

p.s. We had fun on each of the three takes it took to do this video! Hope you enjoy!