Love is such a crazy thing. It is such a powerful force, yet it can be shown in so many simple ways. A hug, a "how are you," or even a smile can let someone know you care for them.

Now, I know that sounded cliche. We have all heard, "A smile can change someones day."

But seriously.

We were given this amazing ability to love because our Savior first loved us. He loves us despite our wrong-doings. He loves us no matter our status. He loves us unconditionally. It is because of Him that we have this capability to love, so why are we wasting it? Why are we withholding this amazing gift that could change the world? Every person wants, seeks, and needs love.

In the summer of 2012, I had the opportunity to serve for a week in Philadelphia. One of the days my group was there, we worked at a summer day camp for underprivileged children. These children were from extremely impoverished homes. They knew too much. They had seen more than any child should see at their age, but throughout the morning, we played anything from monkey-in-the-middle to freeze tag with them. Their joy while we were playing was so refreshing. After playing for a while, we went inside; this is where I met Zanaya. She was a beautiful little girl with huge brown eyes and mocha-colored skin. She was no more than five-years-old, but we soon became best friends. We read books, ate snacks, and played charades together. After acting out various animals and sports, Zanaya asked if she could go again. She began by pointing to her eye, then made a heart with her hands and pointed to me. She asked, "Do you know what I said?" I replied, "Of course, you said I love you," and she asked me to say it back to her. So, I repeated the words "I love you" to her and she gazed at me with teary eyes and said, "That's all I wanted to hear...that someone loves me." My heart sank. This little girl, at five years old, was dying to hear those three words.

My heart, to this day, aches just entertaining the thought that she may not feel or be shown love on a daily basis. Since that hot, July day in 2012, my entire perspective on the Gospel, my purpose, and just life in general has completely been changed.

I am a firm believer that we are called to, simply, love. To love in every way we know how. To love despite others' mistakes. To love beyond measure.

It took a 5-year-old to teach me how important love is. Love can make someone's day; love changes lives. Thank you, Zanaya, for showing me how large of a void a lack of love can create and that I have the ability, because God first loved me, to help fill that void.