What are you doing?

Last year, one of the first things Grant learned about talking on the phone was that people almost always ask, "How are you doing?" at the very beginning. He's grown accustomed to answering, "Good!"

Lately the following scenario has played out nearly every day:

I realize I don't know where he is.

Me: Grant? Grant, what are you doing?

Grant: Good!

Although sometimes frustrating and other times humorous, the same stirring thought always comes into my mind: am I living so this could be my truthful response every time the Lord asks me what I am doing?

Am I doing good? Not am I doing well, but am I doing good things in my life and in the lives of those around me?

Have I done any good in the world today?
Have I helped anyone in need?
...Has anyone's burden been lighter today
Because I was willing to share?
(LDS Hymn #223)

NOTE: I still remember the Stake Young Women theme from fifteenish years ago: H.A.B.B.L.T  (initials of the third line quoted). Kudos to my aunt Michele Hayden and her counselors for that genius idea! :)

It isn't always easy or natural for me to look outside of myself. I don't dislike serving others, but sometimes I don't see needs like I should. I hear of someone else who does something nice and usually my response is, "Why didn't I think of that?" So now I'm making more of a conscious effort to notice. For me, that's half of the battle!

I've decided that if I could raise Grant (and myself!) to live out his own words, I'd say I was a success.

So, what are you doing?