Good morning everyone! Today I am writing about a topic that I was recently studying about this morning. I have been compelled to write on the inspiration that I received from the topic in my title. As I was reading in the Ensign, a magazine that is published by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, I was impressed about an article that talks about enduring well.
Anyways the story talks about a man who inherited his Father’s business after his Father passed away. The man was only 30 years old when he took over the family business, this man expressed how he would pour out his soul to God; however, he didn’t receive any inspiration. Then one night he had a dream in which he was with his Father. In this dream he asked his Father where had he been and why are things such a struggle with the business. There is wisdom in the Father’s reply, ” Son, we really don’t care about the business up here, what we care about very much is what you become because of your business.”
As I reflect on those words I am a little disappointed in myself, recently I think I’ve been to caught up in the next step of what I am going to do with my life. I worry that I won’t be where I want to be, I may not have the success that I hope for, I may not be with the girl I want to be with, I may not have the lifestyle I want. In reality I can have all of those things; however, what is more important is focusing on what I become as a person, a son, a friend, a co-worker, and my example to others.
I think that we have all become caught up in what we do to a certain degree. There are too many people who define themselves by their occupation or by the material things they have accumulated. None of these things are as important as the person we become. None of these things are more important than people. We should always put people and those we love over personal gratification. Each day I challenge you to do something to make someone else’s day just a little bit better. It can be a simple gesture, for example a smile or holding the door for someone. As we put others ahead of ourselves, I promise that you will become a better person and in the process achieve your goals.
One of the most profound lessons I learned in college came from my Horticulture Professor Bryce Lane. I had three classes with him throughout my time at NC State. At the beginning of each semester he would tell us the following, ” What ever grade you get in this class or any class for that matter is not a reflection of your worth as a human being.” I loved this statement. How many students or people in the world have received a bad grade or had a personal failure only to feel less valuable as a person. I know that I have felt this before; however, in reality that has nothing to do with your value as a person. Who knows what happened that one day that you made a bad grade? Maybe you had a family member pass away, maybe you just broke up with your significant other, or maybe you spent all night partying, it doesn’t matter. We never really know what someone else is going through.
Personally I am going to start focusing on what I want to become. What do I want to leave behind as my legacy? I think that is a question we should all ask ourselves. In the end it isn’t going to matter how much money we made, how many cars we have, how big our house is; but how many lives did we touch? Are we leaving the world in a better state than when we came into it? Are we doing our part to make sure future generations have a clean world to live in?
Now I am all for education and work ethic. These things are important in order for us to live a quality life and support those we love. I am extremely grateful for the work ethic of my mom and dad as they provided me with all the opportunities to receive an education. They also realized the importance of being there for my sister and me. We should all strive to gain as much education as possible. It is one of the few things that no one can take from us. I want to leave you with a question that I hope you will ponder and be moved to implement in your life.
What will you Become?
Nunc Coepi 