Last Lecture

There are many things I have learned throughout my life.  This last few months have required a lot of soul searching and pondering over who I am and where I am going. There are no life-shattering truths that I learned, but many little lessons that can make be a better person. Some of the key lessons I am still learning that are worth sharing are:

•        We must take care of ourselves so we are capable of helping other people.  Our health – physically, mentally, spiritually – cannot be neglected.  We cannot help fill other’s baskets if ours is empty.  Be mindful of the choices we are making and the effects they will have now and in the long run.  Create good habits now that can ensure you will be able to continue serving others.
•        Find your gifts/talents.  We are all blessed with talents that are meant to help bless the lives of others.  We need to find those talents and learn how to use them.  Turn to trusted friends and family members to help you find them.  A sweet experience was hearing from each of my siblings what they saw as my strengths.  Sometimes we don’t see our actions as talents because it comes without much effort.  Knowing what those gifts and talents are can give you a focus on what to improve. 
•        Remember why we are here on earth – to help build the kingdom of God.  Everything we do – even working to provide for our family – is working towards the eternal rewards the gospel has for us.  Be aware of those around you and do what you can.  Even a smile can lift someone’s day.
•       Be patient – with ourselves and others.  We are all on this journey together and we all make mistakes.  Give ourselves and others a break.  Learn from those mistakes.
•        Be a good friend.  Be the kind of person that lifts others.  Be the optimistic person that others can trust to encourage and make you want to be a better person.
•       Be the best you can be.  Whatever you are doing, do your best.  Whether it is collecting garbage around town or designing an advertising campaign, do your best work.  Even in your calling at church, give it your best.  Be the person that others can count on to do what is asked.
•       Enjoy every day. Everyday has something to be thankful for.  Note the highs, not just the lows.  Look around and see the many wonderful things around you.  Keep a journal to refer back to when overwhelmed by the lows.  Creating a habit of seeing the good not only changes our attitude, but it also changes how we treat others and how we approach the tasks before us.
•        Never be too busy not to notice those around you – especially your family.  Time flies by and we don’t know how long we will be together.  Take the opportunities given and help strengthen each other.  Build memories that can guide us through the rough times. 
•        Don’t get so caught up in the grind stone that you forget to enjoy the journey.  We are surrounded by a beautiful world created by the Master.  If we focus so much on the end result of our labors, we may miss the pure beauty that is everywhere.

Life is good.  Life is a blessing.  We are accountable for what we make of it.  Enjoy the journey.  Appreciate life – even the rough spots.  We chose to have this experience.  It is the little things each day that will guide us to the eternal rewards and get us to where we want to be - and we will still like ourselves when we get there.

My Gifts

Recognizing my own gifts is something I have pondered for a while.  I don't like to pat myself on the back.  I don't like attention or praise.  But I do want to know what the Lord has blessed me with.  By knowing, I will better be able to be the person He wants and needs me to be. 

I believe that we can be blessed with multiple gifts, but we must work on what we have and continue to improve them.  Then we may be fortunate to be blessed with more.  So what do I see as my gifts?

I believe that I love to serve and sacrifice to help other people.  I think that is what being a mom is.  It is a gift that enables moms to do what they do, each and every day.  It is not something I get praised for.  It is something that I am always working on.  It is something that can bless me and my family.

Extending that beyond me and my family, I can serve others.  Whether through my callings or just being aware of what is going on around me, I can use these gifts to help others.  I believe I can assess a situation, see a need and then go to work - not always waiting to be asked.  Whether it is putting chairs away after a band concert, or washing the dishes after an activity or dinner at someone's house, or helping a young mother with small children at the store or in church.  I feel worthy and valuable if I can make a difference for someone else.

The last month I have been working twice as many hours to help out a few teachers who were left suddenly without their aide.  This has required a lot of time and energy on my part.  I quickly assessed what the teacher needed, and then jumped in.  Each and every day I am there, I work hard.  When I go home, I am exhausted.  But I always feel like I have made a difference that day.  Whether for the teacher in providing another set of hands and eyes, or for the children in being that extra set of ears to listen.  I feel a sense of fulfillment when I come home each day. 

My Grandma Priday was an excellent example of service and sacrifice.  Even into her 90's she would take a meal to a new mom, make bread for the new family that moved in, or simply held a small child so a mother could listen.  She was the ultimate servant of the Lord, always serving and doing so in a loving way.  Although she passed away 5 years ago, I still hear from people who have make the connection that she brought them dinner or visited them in a time of need.  Her influence is still felt today.  I hope that as I develop those gifts of mine, I can make a difference for someone like she did for so many.