I've been sheltered for too long. Attending BYU for the past...um, let's see...umpteen years, I've grown (for lack of a better term) "soft in the belly." I have forgotten how different I am from the rest of the world, and that I have something so valuable that most in this world do not. Let me explain:
A few days before General Conference, a co-worker that I have become friends with asked if I had any plans for the weekend. Although I knew I'd spend it watching Conference, I guess didn't want to sound "weird" so I just shrugged my shoulders and said, "Not much, just hangin' out." I was immediately disappointed in myself--I just passed up a great opportunity to share a little bit about who I am and what I believe in. You would think having served a mission, I would be a bit more comfortable sharing what is most important to me, but I guess I've just been out of practice for a while in my BYU bubble.
I came home that evening and shared my disappointing response with Willie. He just smiled and said, "Well, what are you going to say when she asks how your weekend went?" That gave me hope!
Sure enough, Monday morning she asked if I found anything to do over the weekend. "Actually," I said, "I spent most of it listening to a Conference that my church holds twice a year." She just smiled and said "Oh, that's cool," and that was it. So simple, and yet I felt so much better about myself for just being upfront about who I am. Since then she has asked a few more questions, and who knows where it will lead. For now I just want to focus on being a friend to her and her cute family while looking for opportunities to share a bit more of what matters most to me.
Not really a "mommy" post, but this mommy needed reminding that just because she is a busy mom and wife, she must not shy away from opportunities to share who she is and what she believes with other children of God.
Love it. Just remember you are lucky to have those opportunities! I'm still back in the bubble of Happy Valley where 95% of people I see are members. Don't get me wrong I love it here, but there is something about being surrounded by people who don't know the truth. It kind of forces you into a whole different perspective and sense of responsibility. You are such a great example to me Lizzy!! Thanks for sharing with your friend, and let us know how Young Women's is going!
ReplyDeleteSeriously, thank you for the reminder! I hope I can better appreciate your situation some day by moving out of Happy Valley. For now, it seems there is a different kind of missionary work to be done for me - how do we make people who know what is right to choose the right?!?! How can there be so many members in our area but so few people at church? Any help would be appreciated from my amazing sisters who have always been good examples of missionaries to me!
ReplyDeleteNow that's a toughy, Sar. One thing I do know is that you can't make anyone choose the right! As frustrating as that is, you can only continue doing what you can to give people opportunities to make right choices (ie. by inviting, inviting and inviting). And you are already so good at reaching out and making an effort to include those around you! Keep it up.
ReplyDeleteI like this topic. Pres. Monson wrote an article a few months ago in the ensign about that has really stuck with me. He spoke of a conversation with a group of non members who live in Utah. When asked what "beef" (if any) they had with Utah mormons, they didn't respond using words like "unfriendly" or "self righteous"--instead their biggest issue was that every time they asked a Mormon about their religion, they would awkwardly shrug it off or make some joke about it. Pres Monson said THAT response hurt more than any they could've given.
ReplyDeleteOuch. I have found myself shrugging off the details of my religion practice, especially if I sense that the person may not be receptive to the truth. WRONG!
Being so open and optimistic about what we do and WHY we do it, is (in my opinion) one of the biggest tests of our mortality. So far, I have MUCHO room for improvement...
Wow, I love my sisters. And Sar, you already do more than you know to help others around you choose the right. You are a shining EXAMPLE!! You take a beautiful spirit with you wherever you go. The Holy Ghost is the great motivator. People can be convinced logically that they should do something, but they still need motivation in their heart. Most people (not ME of course, just all those other people...) don't take the time to make room for the spirit in their lives, and therefore lack motivation. The most anyone can do with their stewardships in the church and at home is work to bring the spirit and invite, invite, invite! Like Lizzy said!
ReplyDeleteOne more word I would add into the equation is "expect". Expect them to do it. Not in a bossy, holier than thou sort of way. But in a "I-love-you-and-see-who-you-really-are" sort of way. Just show confidence that they CAN do it. Then if they WILL or not is between them and the Lord.
When you do all you can to encourage/invite/ love others to the right path your offering is sufficient. (Spoken like a true Italian missionary... haha)