Focusing on the Edges

Today, the Friday Forum speaker was named Brother Mills, and he talked about an experience he had as a kid.  His bishop was also his wood shop teacher.  One day in wood shop, Brother Mills was using an orbital sander to sand a block of wood.  He was going up and down the middle over and over, staring out the window.  His teacher came up behind him, stood there for a few seconds and then said, "If you focus on the edges, the middle will take care of itself."  Confused at first, Brother Mills realized that because of the width of the sander, if he went around the edges first, the middle would end up being sanded too.  He then realized that maybe his bishop was talking about more than just wood.  In life, we often end up focusing on ourselves, the middle, and not on others, the edges. 

Ezekiel 34:8 talks about the shepherds feeding themselves and not the flock.  Brother Mills served as a mission president in the Fukuoka Japan mission.  He showed us pictures of several missionaries just before they came on their mission and right as they were leaving.  The transformation was often very apparent.  Many of these missionaries entered the field having focused on themselves for much of their lives.  However, during their missions they learned to focus on others and a change occurred in their hearts which was apparent in their countenances.  The shepherds were not feeding themselves, but were feeding the flock.

Brother Mills' wife, who spoke before him, talked about gratitude.  When we recognize our blessings and give sincere thanks to God for the many miracles in our lives, we immediately become happier.  She also talked about learning to life at the potentially miserable experiences you may have.

Having gratitude, combined with service to others, will bring happiness and peace.  The Spirit will be felt, a light will come into our eyes, we will live fulfilling lives.  Focusing on my blessings and on serving other people is something I struggle with.  And God has been trying to tell me that for awhile now.  In my mind recently, it's been all about me.  I've sought for recognition, admiration, and personal glory, and have been disappointed over and over.  It shouldn't be about me.  It shouldn't be about what I want.  It shouldn't be about what I don't have.  It should be about my brothers and sisters.  It should be about service.  It should be about my God.

This is going to be hard for me.  It's so difficult for me to let go of what I want, to stop wondering what other people think about me, and to simply serve because I love.  But with God, nothing is impossible.  "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:13).  "My God shall give me if I ask not amiss" (2 Nephi 4:35).  So that's what I'll do; ask for God's help.  Wish me luck!          

Alone In a Crowded Room

How is it that you can have lots of friends, have a great concert followed by lots and lots of compliments, and leave feeling completely alone?  I'm not sure why I feel this way.  Back in Salem I was lucky to meet amazing people like Dallin Kimber, Ben Hatch, and Jared Condie.  I grew close to them and felt like I was part of a group.  For some reason, here at Snow I haven't really felt that.  I do have friends, but I feel like they all have their own groups that I'm not really a part of.  And there's really no reason to feel that way, but there it is. 
Maybe there just hasn't been enough time.  I had years to get to know my friends back in Salem, and I've had less than one year here.  It doesn't help that I'm not the most social person (though I've definitely improved), so it can take longer for me to develop close relationships.  Ah well, they'll come.  And one day I'll find that wonderful woman who will be my eternal companion.  I can't wait for that! 

Things I Hate About Being Mortal

Mortality is just plain frustrating sometimes.  We have so many weaknesses and have to do certain natural things that I don't think any god would have to do.  Here are some examples:

• Needing to sleep
• Needing to eat (I don't mind eating, but sometimes needing to can be annoying)
• Getting sick
• Going to the bathroom (There's just nothing dignified or godly about that)
• The carnal desires we have
• Making mistakes
• Forgetting

Those are a few examples.  Won't it be nice when we won't have to worry about those things anymore?  I'm so happy we're going to be resurrected with perfected bodies.  We'll no longer have to deal with the weaknesses of the flesh.  That day can't come soon enough!