A Little Chip

Prefection. Oh wait, let me try that again! Perfection.

Lately I have been thinking about perfection, especially as it relates to how something looks. This all started a few months ago, when I chipped the glass screen protector on my iphone. The chip really isn't that big, and I bet that if I handed it to you and didn't say anything, you might not even notice it. Yet, every time I pull my phone out of my pocket, where do my eyes go? Right to the top left corner where the chip is.

Does this chip make my phone any less valuable or useful? Nope. Then why does it bug me from time to time? I guess it's because it isn't perfect--it isn't as good as I think it could be. Unfortunately, the set of standards or expectations that you and I have for everyday merchandise often translates to how we view other human beings.

Let's take a moment to reflect. Does a menacing pimple, a lifelong scar, a prominent mole, an out-of-place hair, or whatever other flaw you perceive diminish the value and potential of another? Absolutely not! With time, these things may or may not fade away. Regardless, with age we all will become "less desirable" or "less attractive." Don't let that little chip in the top left corner prevent you from appreciating the goodness that is within you and within all those that surround you.

Gone Fishing

One of my hobbies is fishing. Since I've moved to Texas, I've been fishing three times...and I still have yet to catch a fish. Thankfully, the only reason I go fishing is not to catch a fish. I love being in the outdoors and getting away from the hustle and bustle of life. I found this sign near the pier where I was fishing last week.

Amen! Alright, time for a fishing parable. When you go fishing, what are you searching for? Fish, obviously, but what kind of fish or which specific fish? Generally fisherman want a bigger, more prized fish, but for amateurs like me any fish will do. That's why one of the more frustrating moments of fishing is catching a plant, or even worse a rock. When no success is coming his way, what does a fisherman do? He changes lures or bait and usually consults his fishing companions with the age-old question, "Are you having any luck?"

Although you and I may not realize it, life is a lot like fishing. We stand at the edge of what we know and cast our hopes and wishes into the deep. Sometimes it seems that our luck brings happiness and progress. Other times we can't seem to do anything but hit a snag. What if there were a surefire way to consistently find contentment and success?

A fisherman would try it, and we do this all the time. For example we try a new diet, a new hair style, a new hobby, etc. While those things have their importance, without one thing, the rest won't provide the meaning we're looking for. That one thing is the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Yesterday I saw Meet the Mormons in theaters. I found this movie to be an entertaining and uplifting portrayal of how living the gospel of Jesus Christ brings happiness to members of my church around the world. If you feel like there is something missing in your life, or you are curious about a potentially better way, learn about us and see what makes Mormons friendly, happy, and family-oriented.

Oxygen Mask

Well it's been a good weekend. I spent 10 hours listening to General Conference, which is a biannual conference held by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The speakers are leaders of my church, including the prophet and apostles. Check out the conference here.

Yesterday Elder Neil L. Anderson, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, shared an interesting analogy that I think we can all relate to--assuming you've flown in a plane before. Each time a plane is about to take off the flight attendants run through a safety script to inform passengers what to do in the event of an emergency. If you're like me, you tend to tune out because you've heard it before: wear your seat belt at all times, an oxygen mask will drop from above, your cushion can act as a flotation device, and so on. Have you ever thought about how those routine instructions could provide a parable for us? I hadn't until yesterday.

If oxygen masks drop down during the flight each passenger is supposed to put on their own mask first before helping others, no matter what. A naturally caring person would likely do the opposite. What's the point? Why should we put our own mask on first? Well if we help others first we run the risk of passing out and then we need help ourselves, but with the mask on, we can continue to assist those around us. The same is true of spiritual things. We can't possibly help another draw closer to God and learn about His ways unless we first know Him and follow Him. Like oxygen, spiritual strength is meant to be shared and can provide a sustaining influence as we face the turbulence along the ride we call life.

With Elder Anderson I ask, Is your spiritual oxygen mask safely secured, or do you have some work to do before you can reach out to help lift others?