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One Drop at a Time
Do you sometimes wonder if your little efforts could possibly make any difference at all? Consider a simple example from nature.
Honey is “one of the foods that includes all the substances— enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and water—necessary to sustain life,” writes Elder M. Russell Ballard. And yet, “Over its short lifetime of just a few weeks to four months, a single honeybee’s contribution of honey to its hive is a mere one-twelfth of one teaspoon. Though seemingly insignificant when compared to the total, each bee’s one-twelfth of a teaspoon of honey is vital to the life of the hive.”
Your simple, daily acts of service matter, and this charmingly illustrated little book will lift your heart as it demonstrates the power of many righteous people working together to fill the world, one drop at a time, with the sweet truths of the gospel.
Honey is “one of the foods that includes all the substances— enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and water—necessary to sustain life,” writes Elder M. Russell Ballard. And yet, “Over its short lifetime of just a few weeks to four months, a single honeybee’s contribution of honey to its hive is a mere one-twelfth of one teaspoon. Though seemingly insignificant when compared to the total, each bee’s one-twelfth of a teaspoon of honey is vital to the life of the hive.”
Your simple, daily acts of service matter, and this charmingly illustrated little book will lift your heart as it demonstrates the power of many righteous people working together to fill the world, one drop at a time, with the sweet truths of the gospel.
Hardcover
First published March 1, 2013
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254 people want to read
About the author
M. Russell Ballard
34 books59 followersPresident M. Russell Ballard has served as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter–day Saints since October 6, 1985. He was set apart as Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles by President Russell M. Nelson on January 14, 2018.
He was born to Melvin R. and Geraldine Smith Ballard. He attended the University of Utah. He served as a counselor to the president of the British Mission. He has been a bishop twice and a high councilor in two stakes. In 1974, he was called as president of the Canada Toronto Mission, where he was serving when he was called to the First Quorum of the Seventy in April of 1976. He served as a member of the Presidency of the First Quorum of the Seventy from Feb. 21, 1980, to Oct. 6, 1985.
Prior to his call as a General Authority, Elder Ballard had interests in automotive, real estate, and investment businesses. He has served on many civic committees and boards. He is the author of two books.
He married Barbara Bowen in the Salt Lake Temple Aug. 28, 1951. They have two sons, five daughters and forty grandchildren.
He was born to Melvin R. and Geraldine Smith Ballard. He attended the University of Utah. He served as a counselor to the president of the British Mission. He has been a bishop twice and a high councilor in two stakes. In 1974, he was called as president of the Canada Toronto Mission, where he was serving when he was called to the First Quorum of the Seventy in April of 1976. He served as a member of the Presidency of the First Quorum of the Seventy from Feb. 21, 1980, to Oct. 6, 1985.
Prior to his call as a General Authority, Elder Ballard had interests in automotive, real estate, and investment businesses. He has served on many civic committees and boards. He is the author of two books.
He married Barbara Bowen in the Salt Lake Temple Aug. 28, 1951. They have two sons, five daughters and forty grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
April 28, 2018
I love this message. Short read.
May 10, 2013
My thoughts: This book is an adaptation of M. Russell Ballard's talk given in the L.D.S. General Conference talk entitled, "Be Anxiously Engaged." There are a few differences in word but the overall message remains the same: Our service matters.
Using the analogy of the honey bee, he uses his words to paint a picture of a colony of bees. Over the short lifetime of a honey bee, one of insect produces 1/12 of a teaspoon of honey. It seems so insignificant on its own yet, each bee depends on one another and work in tandem to make a hive productive and workable. This concept has been building on my mind all week, even before I read this book and was reminded of this talk.
A friend of mine is suffering an unimaginable tragedy. He and his wife are bereft and completely heartbroken. I felt presumptuous talking to them two nights ago. Although he is a dear and old friend, his wife and I are mere acquaintances. Yet in the weeks following the tragedy, I have felt a growing urgency to see her. What could I offer that others hadn't given her? Or maybe it was him. Still, I felt like it was not my place to offer condolences or words of possible comfort as I pulled up in the driveway and sat in the living room with my friend.
My inferiority and doubts of even showing up solidified when his wife walked in the room and my wonderful, shiny degrees that I hung on my walls that proved that I was a trained counselor, fell tarnished as I followed my gut. I walked up to her, wrapped my arms around her and we sobbed. And sobbed. And then we cried and talked for the next two hours. Leaning heavily on the crying part.
It isn't as if they are not surrounded by friends and family so I wondered what I had to offer that was unique. Maybe nothing. Probably my visit will disappear in the blur of the aftermath they both want to forget. But I was at least one of the twelve who were willing and able to give what I have. I am convinced that anything I said was not life altering. I believe I provided a little comfort for a short time. Somebody else could have done what I did which was show up, listen, and cry with them. My contribution is not outstanding but I showed up.
During the visit, her brother materialized. She had requested a blessing and I was honored that my friend asked me to stay. In the short, chaotic moments after her blessing, my friend turned to me and told me that he had a challenge for me. Write another verse to the popular poem, "Footprints in the Sand" that addressed the idea of looking back and seeing the hundreds of footprints in the sand of the people we meet along the journey that buoy us up, sometimes carry us, encourage us, and pray for us. The collective and proverbial village is holding the family up.
My contribution may only be 1/12 of a teaspoon. But it is a privilege to look back on the sand and know my footprints are mixed with great men and women who served these good people by offering all they have and those whose offering was to simply show up. Our footprints bisect and intersect one another. The sand is stained with the tears we shed with one another over a particularly heavy indentation as we leaned upon one another and lightened our loads by sharing the burden even for a few moments. Yet eventually we will notice the strong, steady prints that never deviate from our path. They are on a higher plane and often only seen after leaning on the many, touching them and being touched by them. No single man or woman can carry our burdens for long but One has been carrying our burdens all along.
Using the analogy of the honey bee, he uses his words to paint a picture of a colony of bees. Over the short lifetime of a honey bee, one of insect produces 1/12 of a teaspoon of honey. It seems so insignificant on its own yet, each bee depends on one another and work in tandem to make a hive productive and workable. This concept has been building on my mind all week, even before I read this book and was reminded of this talk.
A friend of mine is suffering an unimaginable tragedy. He and his wife are bereft and completely heartbroken. I felt presumptuous talking to them two nights ago. Although he is a dear and old friend, his wife and I are mere acquaintances. Yet in the weeks following the tragedy, I have felt a growing urgency to see her. What could I offer that others hadn't given her? Or maybe it was him. Still, I felt like it was not my place to offer condolences or words of possible comfort as I pulled up in the driveway and sat in the living room with my friend.
My inferiority and doubts of even showing up solidified when his wife walked in the room and my wonderful, shiny degrees that I hung on my walls that proved that I was a trained counselor, fell tarnished as I followed my gut. I walked up to her, wrapped my arms around her and we sobbed. And sobbed. And then we cried and talked for the next two hours. Leaning heavily on the crying part.
It isn't as if they are not surrounded by friends and family so I wondered what I had to offer that was unique. Maybe nothing. Probably my visit will disappear in the blur of the aftermath they both want to forget. But I was at least one of the twelve who were willing and able to give what I have. I am convinced that anything I said was not life altering. I believe I provided a little comfort for a short time. Somebody else could have done what I did which was show up, listen, and cry with them. My contribution is not outstanding but I showed up.
During the visit, her brother materialized. She had requested a blessing and I was honored that my friend asked me to stay. In the short, chaotic moments after her blessing, my friend turned to me and told me that he had a challenge for me. Write another verse to the popular poem, "Footprints in the Sand" that addressed the idea of looking back and seeing the hundreds of footprints in the sand of the people we meet along the journey that buoy us up, sometimes carry us, encourage us, and pray for us. The collective and proverbial village is holding the family up.
My contribution may only be 1/12 of a teaspoon. But it is a privilege to look back on the sand and know my footprints are mixed with great men and women who served these good people by offering all they have and those whose offering was to simply show up. Our footprints bisect and intersect one another. The sand is stained with the tears we shed with one another over a particularly heavy indentation as we leaned upon one another and lightened our loads by sharing the burden even for a few moments. Yet eventually we will notice the strong, steady prints that never deviate from our path. They are on a higher plane and often only seen after leaning on the many, touching them and being touched by them. No single man or woman can carry our burdens for long but One has been carrying our burdens all along.
January 6, 2016
Why bother buying the book when you can get the talk for free? There are exceptions to this like Your Happily Ever After, wherein pictures add so much to the content; but, this book and its pictures of honey and hives didn't really impress me, nor did the price tag on the back -- regardless of the content.
April 1, 2017
Wow! 1/12th a teaspoon of honey.
April 1, 2019
Oh my gosh this book was such a really great read and I highly recommend women to read it and a powerful message for us all❗️❤️😊🐝
September 12, 2018
This simple, one-sitting read made me feel hopeful about the (often seemingly small) things I do to try to make the world a better places for my loved ones & for all people. I gained insight into some of my own experiences & behaviors, and about the direction I want to focus some of my service within my own family & the community of my friends & peers. This isn’t a book that hits you over the head with anything particularly new or profound (beyond the profound teachings of Jesus Christ), but the beautiful arrangement of images & text, along with the simplicity of M. Russell Ballard’s message & metaphor, evoke useful thoughts from one’s own heart & mind. A very worthwhile read- one I intend to reread. A lovely gift book for Christians or open minded seekers of truth & goodness.
June 1, 2023
Exactly what I needed today ♥️
I don’t have to do it all, just my part. That little bit contributes to the whole.
Main point of counsel: “In your morning prayer each new day, ask Heavenly Father to guide you to recognize an opportunity to serve one of his precious children. Then go throughout the day with your heart, full of faith and love, looking for someone to help. Stay focused, just like the honeybees focus on the flowers from which to gather nectar and pollen. If you do this, your spiritual sensitivities will be enlarged, and you will discover opportunities to serve that you never before realized we’re possible.”
I don’t have to do it all, just my part. That little bit contributes to the whole.
Main point of counsel: “In your morning prayer each new day, ask Heavenly Father to guide you to recognize an opportunity to serve one of his precious children. Then go throughout the day with your heart, full of faith and love, looking for someone to help. Stay focused, just like the honeybees focus on the flowers from which to gather nectar and pollen. If you do this, your spiritual sensitivities will be enlarged, and you will discover opportunities to serve that you never before realized we’re possible.”
December 2, 2024
This was such an enriching book and if you're a woman looking for inspiration or place in the world, this is a must read!
It talks of your role in the world and in Heavenly Father's eyes and compares us to that of a hive. Even bumblebee's who only contribute a twelfth of a teaspoon of honey make a big impact when looking at the big picture. If you ever think your efforts aren't enough, this book will remind you that you are enough and the work you are doing is enough! ☺️☺️
It talks of your role in the world and in Heavenly Father's eyes and compares us to that of a hive. Even bumblebee's who only contribute a twelfth of a teaspoon of honey make a big impact when looking at the big picture. If you ever think your efforts aren't enough, this book will remind you that you are enough and the work you are doing is enough! ☺️☺️
May 7, 2017
A sweet little book that teaches how much good we really can be doing in the world and how simple it is to help. 🐝🍯
January 15, 2018
a sweet simple book full of nuggets of wisdom.
July 12, 2019
I loved this little book, it ignited a fire in my soul. The illustrations, along with the writing, inspired me and made me feel a little lighter than I was before. I really enjoyed it. ♥️
July 25, 2019
I loved that he used honey bees to relate to inspirational and motivational messages. This book left me feeling good and inspired. It also left me wanting to try harder to serve other people.
December 27, 2019
This is a good reminder that each little act of service matters to the one who receives that service, & that all people need love and kindness!
December 30, 2019
Short booklet about service - story about bees
May 14, 2020
A book version of a sermon. It has nice pictures to accompany it. Great message but not sure why it's a stand alone book.
July 28, 2020
Excellent. I love Elder M. Russell Ballard. Great small book.
October 30, 2020
Libby. Just a short fun read
November 1, 2020
I loved the message of this book. One drop,one small act of kindness at a time can make the world a better place.
August 16, 2021
This book was adapted from Elder Ballard's talk in October 2012 conference entitled "Be Anxiously Engaged". A sweet reminder that our little acts of service add up to make a big difference.
August 30, 2021
Super short and sweet.
February 26, 2022
Beautiful short little read that reminds you to turn outward.
March 15, 2022
Loved this book!
I was made aware, how even the smallest effort can and does make a difference.
I was made aware, how even the smallest effort can and does make a difference.
November 19, 2022
A lovely little book with a great message & beautiful artwork. A very quick read.
October 6, 2023
Great message, quick read.
August 16, 2025
Good little message from one of my favorites.
January 25, 2017
Liked the analogy.
January 6, 2017
"There is power in our love for God and for His children, and when that love is tangibly manifest in millions of acts of Christian kindness, it will sweeten and nourish the world with the life-sustaining nectar of faith, hope, and charity." I kind of fell in love with this book. I have a tendency to do that with books that have amazing illustrations and photographs. While reading this book I felt as if I was sitting near a window with the warmth of the sun streaming through on a beautiful spring day. I also appreciate Church leaders who publish books and talks that give simple straightforward answers. Elder Ballard doesn't just tell us why service is important and then close with a little nudge for us to get busy. He gives clear guidance to those of us who may not have natural tendencies and intuition for going about service.
June 17, 2016
This is a beautiful GIFT book you can read in about 10 minutes. It's message is by M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum on the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It's message is simple: be like the honey bee in serving and changing the world through love 'one drop at a time.' Ironically the message is FOR WOMEN. I'm not sure why it's 'for women.' Especially since the honey bee Elder Ballard uses in analogy is male--all of them. Perhaps he should have used the Queen Bee analogy...hmmmm, maybe not. Anyway, the book is indeed beautifully illustrated even if the object lesson is a little off-putting as a women-specific one. Also, $16? Really? I was given this book as a gift after teaching early morning seminary for a year. I appreciated the sentiment of the gift from my stake presidency immensely. But the book, specifically, is illustrated with images primarily sourced from Shutterstock and the public domain. If Deseret Book had actually hired an illustrator or made it a group art project to create original art for the book, it would have been more valuable--it comes off as a quick collage of bee images (they're kinda trendy these days) appealing to someone needing to give a gift & happens to be shopping at Deseret Book that minute. I think I'd have preferred a copy of Elder Ballard's talk printed off LDS.org & a real jar of HONEY. ;) Deseret Book (Punny!), you skammers, you.
April 2, 2013
"Honeybees are driven to pollinate, gather nectar, and condense the nectar into honey. It is their magnificent obsession imprinted into their genetic makeup by our Creator. It is estimated that to produce just one pound of honey, the average hive of 20,000 to 60,000 bees must collectively visit millions of flowers and travel the equivalent of two times around the world. Over its short lifetime of just a few weeks to four months, a single honeybee's contribution of honey to its hive is a mere one-twelfth of one teaspoon. Though seemingly insignificant when compared to the total, each bee's one-twelfth of a teaspoon of honey is vital to the life of the hive. The bees depend on each other. Work that would be overwhelming for a few bees to do becomes lighter because all of the bees faithfully do their part."
What would the world be like if we were like the honeybee? What if we all did our part to lift one another and support each other? Sometimes our life feels like a one-twelfth of a life but in the end that one-twelfth matters quite a bit. The world would be a much lovelier place if we all served each other with pure love! But the good news is we can all be a honeybee!!!! :)
What would the world be like if we were like the honeybee? What if we all did our part to lift one another and support each other? Sometimes our life feels like a one-twelfth of a life but in the end that one-twelfth matters quite a bit. The world would be a much lovelier place if we all served each other with pure love! But the good news is we can all be a honeybee!!!! :)
May 17, 2013
A beautifully-illustrated book that is full of wisdom and counsel. This book would make a great gift for any woman who struggles to feel like her efforts to make a difference mean anything. Elder Ballard points out that just as each honeybee contributes to the whole each woman's efforts to serve are invaluable and priceless. While those efforts seem small and puny, in the end many lives can be touched by the service rendered by a righteous woman, whether at home, work, or in the community. I have seen this often in my own life. I have been blessed to have many such women in my life and my life is the richer for it.
Elder Ballard goes on to point out that the best way to make a difference is to pray and look for opportunities to serve those around us. He recommends that as women we fill our hearts with the gospel of Christ and extend that faith, hope, and charity to those around us. Many lives will be changed and uplifted if we do so. A short book to be sure, but the message is priceless. Highly recommended.
Elder Ballard goes on to point out that the best way to make a difference is to pray and look for opportunities to serve those around us. He recommends that as women we fill our hearts with the gospel of Christ and extend that faith, hope, and charity to those around us. Many lives will be changed and uplifted if we do so. A short book to be sure, but the message is priceless. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews