Small and Simple Things

By Kari Diane Pike

It all began with the letter “s.” I had a pile of things to do to prepare for a Relief Society Board meeting being held in my home, including preparing a message for the Sisters that would not only inspire and motivate them, but also convey my gratitude to them for all the love and service they give. The Presidency had chosen the theme F.R.O.G. – Fully Rely On God. The scripture quoted in the packet of ideas came from 1 Peter 5:7 and said,

“Casting all your cares upon him; for he careth for you.”

In between dinner preparations and last minute tidying up, I hurried to copy the words onto a handout. The thought came to me that I should look up the scripture before I printed out the final copy. Another thought chased right after it and told me to stop being obsessive-compulsive and just write it down. After all, I was running out of time and everything had to be perfect! Experience has been teaching me which voice I should listen to. I looked up the scripture. It read,

“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”

The significance of the difference between “cares” and “care” knocked the wind out of me; just because of a small and simple letter “s.” I can cast all my cares and worries upon the Lord but still not see the light of his love. But when I cast my care upon him I can truly come to love and follow our Savior Jesus Christ. By casting my care upon him, I focus on his example and how he thinks and feels; how he would behave and act and serve and love. Casting all my care upon him is infinitely more than casting all my cares upon him. Casting my cares sounds like,

“Here, take my problems and solve them for me.” Casting my care upon him is saying, “I love you. How can I serve you today? How can I thank you for all you have done for me?”

I’m not saying that we shouldn't ask for help in our struggles. Actually, we are commanded to do just that. I think I’m just seeing a difference in the attitude with which it can be done. I came across a quote from Marvin J. Ashton that brought me even greater understanding:

“…The Lord has declared that those who serve him and keep his commandments are called his servants. After they have been tested and tried and are found faithful and true in all things, they are no longer called servants, but friends. His friends are the ones he will take into his kingdom and with whom he will associate in an eternal inheritance.”

A couple of days after this experience, as I walked out of my bedroom, I felt a strong impression to go back to my bedside and kneel once again in prayer. I promptly returned to the room wondering why. I'd already said my prayers. What disaster awaited that I needed to be specially prepared for? As I knelt, I felt a warmth spread through me as though I were being hugged. The fear disappeared as light and love filled my heart.

“Just one moment, please. It’s going to be a busy day and I just wanted to spend another moment with you before you get so busy you can’t hear my voice. Don’t forget to study your scriptures this morning. It’s important.”

The burdens and fatigue I carried earlier lightened and I felt gratitude for the gift of another day to cast my care upon him. And to think, it all began with a small and simple letter “s.”