......
"I’d like to share with you a few of what I refer to as life lessons. Some I’ve learned along the way and others are lessons a few of my last semester students share; lessons they have learned as well as lessons they wish they had known when first coming to BYU–Idaho. Recognize that these lessons do not involve any financial commitment or monetary sacrifice––they can’t be purchased! But they can be developed and bless not only our lives but the lives of those around us. As you listen and ponder the thoughts shared today, I would challenge you to identify at least one life lesson that you can learn from and then be willing to do so!
"Life Lesson #1: Learn to be Kind
"Think for a moment of someone whom you consider to be kind. What is it about that individual that leads you to define him or her as kind? Possibly you would describe them as thoughtful, non-judgmental, compassionate, friendly, charitable, caring, or Christ-like. How well do those words describe you? Would those who know you consider you to be kind? How do we recognize kindness in others?
Life Lesson #2: Learn to be Responsible
“If you and I have the spirit of entitlement, it means we have an attitude and belief that the world owes us what we want. Like Laman and Lemuel, some who harbor the spirit of entitlement believe they have been shortchanged in life or aggrieved in some way and that they deserve more than they are getting. Often those who succumb to the spirit of entitlement feel superior to those around them, or believe certain rules should not apply to them, or that they should not be required to do what everyone else has to do. They believe they are entitled to special treatment and special privileges. They want something for nothing.”2
Life Lesson #3: Learn to be Thankful
"Two of the most powerful words in the English language are “thank you.” These words have the power to change an attitude, lift a burden, brighten a dark day, or soften a heart.
Life Lesson #4: Learn to be Steadfast
"What does it mean to be steadfast? According to Dictionary.com, steadfast is an adjective meaning fixed in direction; firm in purpose; unwavering. In relating steadfastness to the gospel, we can see it refers to our being steadily directed on the gospel path, firm in our faith, and unwavering in our commitment to living gospel principles. Steadfastness also relates to our role as students. I propose that if we are steadfast we are committed to seeing our studies through “to the end,” course by course. We are firm in our purpose for gaining an education, recognizing that the Lord has commanded us to “…seek learning, even by study and also by faith” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:118).
"I hope I haven’t led you to believe this path will be without challenges or heartaches; that it will be easy and require little effort on our part. That is not the case. I can assure you that each of Heavenly Father’s children will experience trials and challenges in our efforts to be steadfast; but in the same way I can assure you that we are not left alone in meeting those trials and challenges."
Life Lessons
by Joyce Anderson
BYU-I Devotional
August 9, 2011
No comments:
Post a Comment