I should really be putting the last minute finishing touches to my group presentation, but what the hey! I've neglected my blog for over 2 months so why not give it some lovin', right? Now on to neglecting my presentation :)
It's been a long time & I would say I will update this blog about what has happened in the past 2 months, but lets face it- that's probably not gonna happen.
Anyways, I was flipping through my Church journal (which I write in more than my personal journal because that one...is nonexistent) when I came across my notes from our most recent October General Conference. One specific talk that stood out to me as I read over my notes was given by Carl B. Cook. After recently being called to the Quorum of the Seventy he was overwhelmed at the end of the week and stood in the elevator with his head down. The elevator stopped, but he didn't look up to see who was coming in until he heard Pres. Thomas S. Monson ask, "What are you looking at down there?" Oh, nothing. Pres. Monson then proceeded to smile at him while pointing upward saying, "It is better to look up!"
I thought, how many times have I found myself with my head down? Or how many times have I let the weight of the world or my own selfish problems bring me down? It's as though a lightbulb went off in my head and all of a sudden everything he said in those few words seemed SO right. I have a family that loves me and I wouldn't trade them for the world. I have friends who are there when I'm in need. I have an education that I'm continuing to pursue. I have a Primary class that I can't imagine being without- they teach me love and patience. I have amazing institute teachers that guide me in the scriptures and help me draw closer to our Savior. So I ask, who am I to deprive myself of looking up?
Trials come and burdens fall, but I must continue to endure to the end. There was a line he said that struck a chord within me and I've kept it close since. He said, "Have FAITH to look up and COURAGE to move forward." Double whammy! I sat there thinking, this is so good :) I love General Conference and getting to listen to the words of our prophet Thomas S. Monson and apostles who love and care for us all.
I really need to finish my presentation, but before I do there's one last thing. Another reason why I shouldn't hang my head down- I have a loving Savior who is there for me. Day and night, through all the good and bad. Remember to look to Christ and don't hang our heads because it's always better to look up! :)
PS- If you want to read more words shared by loving leaders go here. Enjoy!
