The Challenge to Become

(Elder Dallin H Oaks, October 2000 General Conference)

With current issues now challenging the world and causing much controversy, I need to know where I stand.  Now, more than ever, I need to be converted to the gospel.  But in addition to that, Elder Oaks suggested that I need even more.  I need to “become something.”

“Final judgement is not just an evaluation of the sum total of good and evil acts – what we have done.  It is an acknowledgment of the final effects of our acts and thoughts – what we have become.”

Heavenly Father knows of my divine potential.  He knows what I need to do to return to Him.  He knows who I am capable of becoming and who He needs me to be. The choices I make each day make a difference in who I become.  I can show others what I believe and what is important to me by my actions.  If I can understand what I believe and why, if I can allow the Atonement of Jesus Christ to change me, I can become who Heavenly Father needs me to become. 

All of the experience I have here on earth are to help me become.   They are opportunities for me grow and learn and become who Heavenly Father needs me to become.  Sometimes it is for my own growth and learning, and other times it is for someone else.  I need to allow myself to change and hopefully have “no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually.”  (Mosiah 5:2)

I have seen that change as I serve in my calling as a mother or at church.  I find that I want to live up to what Heavenly Father knows I can do.  He believes I can do more, He knows where He needs me to be, and He knows that I can become what He needs me to become.

“We must not give up hope.  We must not stop striving.  We are children of God, and it is possible for us to become what our Heavenly Father would have us become.”

However Long and Hard the Road

From Elder Holland’s Devotional address on Jan 18, 1983

I have been very discouraged the past few weeks.   Things are getting harder and I have been feeling the pressures of keeping up with everything in all of my responsibilities.  I recognize this is a time of learning and growing for me.  And if it is to be worth it, then I will have to do some hard things.  Elder Holland said, “Nothing very valuable can come without significant sacrifice and effort and patience on our part.”  The challenges I feel I am faced against can either stop my progress or make me think about what needs to be done and how I can get it done.  My challenges are not that big compared to others.  I only need to stop focusing on myself and look around.  The early saints definitely had it rough.  I am not being asked to sacrifice my home and possibly lose some family members along the way.  I am not putting my life physically on the line in battle.  I have a home and have my family around me.  I have a part-time job that I love.  My husband has a job that provides sufficiently for our needs.  I have many blessings that I am truly grateful for.  “But in life’s most crucial and telling tasks, my plea is to stick with it, to persevere, to hang in and hang on.”

 

I don’t know where this road is taking me.  I don’t know what other challenges I am going to face.  But with patience and with God’s help, I can do my best.  I will keep trying.  I can’t give up when the going gets tough.  I will keep moving.  I will stay determined to see this through, no matter how slow the process.  “I will put my shoulder to the wheel and push along.”  I will continue to work towards reaching my goal.  “Every worthy task will require all that we can give to it.  The Lord requires the heart and a willing mind.”  I am willing and I trust that the Lord will help me and guide me to where He needs me to be.

In conclusion, Elder Holland said, “Take advantage of every opportunity to learn and grow.  Dream dreams and see visions.  Work toward their realization.  Wait patiently when you have no other choice.  Lean on your sword and rest a while, but get up and fight again.  Perhaps you will not see the full meaning of your effort in your own lifetime.  But your children will, or your children’s children will.”

Habit 1

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People  by Steven Covey

I read this book many years ago but I don’t remember any of it.  Maybe it was lack of life experience or immaturity.  I am in a much better place now, truly desiring to make some changes in my life and become a better disciple and beacon of light to those around me. These 7 Habits are based on “principles which are guidelines…that have been proven over time to have enduring, permanent value.” (Summaries.com p 2)  These principles represent values that are important to me.  I can learn how to use these habits to become a more effective person.  

A paradigm is the way we see and understand the world around us.  Before I can change anything, I need to check my perceptions or shift some of these paradigms.  I need to be aware of how my opinions are affecting my attitude towards others, towards change, or towards challenges.  These habits “are a new level of thinking – a paradigm shift based on a principle-centered, character-based inside-out approach to personal effectiveness.”  (p 2)

Trying to tackle all of these habits at the same time would not be productive.  I need to focus on one practice at a time, allowing each to truly become a habit.  I want these habits to help me find purpose in my life.  I want them to make long term changes.  By reading the full book, rather than the summary, I will be able to better understand how I can have each habit truly change me.

The first 3 habits deal with self-mastery or private victories and lay the foundation for the other habits.

Habit 1 – Be Proactive

Before I can change how I see or think about others, I need to understand how I see myself.  There are a few things I can control.  This introduces the principle of self-awareness.  What can I control?  First off, my thoughts; I have the ability to create a new reality; I know inside what is right and wrong; and I have the ability to act on my thoughts.  I can choose my response to any situation, but not the consequences that come with those choices.  I can choose to be reactive or proactive in every circumstance. “This is the true meaning of ‘response-ability’.” (p 3)  Being proactive means I think about my actions and thoughts and the effect they have on me and on others.  I need to be proactive in whatever situation I am in.  I need to learn to “control a situation from the inside out.” (p 3)  If I can learn to do this, even in the little everyday things, I can be a better leader.  I can have the confidence I need to move on to the next habit. 

This week, I will really focus on what paradigms need to be shifted.  Where can I change my perception into something more positive?  Where can I improve my attitude?  How is my perception of a situation effecting those around me?  What are my actions in response to different situations teaching my children?  I will post these questions where I can see them each morning, reminding me to be aware.  I will share my goals with Bill.  I will have him help hold me accountable to seeing this through.  Perhaps we can help each other.