This week I feel like talking a little bit about how to grow. I think a lot of times we look at examples of what or who we want to be and we imagine that there must be a huge long process or a miraculous experience associated with transforming ourselves like that. It seems like something that could ever happen right now right here. In the past year, I've learned that this ideology is only partially true.
In my experience in my church duties and calling, I find that I do a lot of stuff that I would think require a previous transformation, but only require faith. I receive assignments to do and be things that often feel intimidating and bigger than me. Elder Richard G. Scott says that "we become what we want to be by consistently being what we want to become." That is so true! A lot of times when I'm faced with something I don't feel ready for, I just put my faith in God, say a prayer and then go to work. And all of the sudden I'm doing it and becoming what I want to be! I am inspired and strengthened. I know it only happens because of Christ, because of Grace. I know my weaknesses all too well, so there is only one explanation to it all- it isn't me. But I still get the growth and even the blessings for it. It is incredible. When things like this come up, you have to just ask for God's help, put your Faith in Christ and step up to the plate. He's the only way to hit a home run.
"I do not boast in my own strength, nor in my own wisdom; but behold, my joy is full, yea, my heart is brim with joy, and I will rejoice in my God. Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things." -Alma 26:11-12
Become who you want to be today.
Now, for another thing that makes me happy. Theatre! This weekend I saw Little Eyolf at BYU. At the start I was afraid it was going to be a little dry. But I should have known better. >:) This play was heavy, and at the heart of it was emotionally-loaded dialogue between two people. I love both of these things! The actors were outstanding and the emotion they felt and portrayed was true and deep. I loved it! It made me think do much and my love for theatre was just burning! Aaaaahhh!!! It made me want to improve my own talents so badly. I honestly don't know how I am supposed to balance developing these talents and passions along with family and chrurch and pre-medicine and everything else, but I know I have to do it. I'm so excited! And now, in hopes of helping you understand my passion at least a little bit more, here's a clip.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AAM_mdNVek&feature=related
Oops! How'd that get in there? Here's the real clip. ;)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uJBOAkMsSc
I know it's Shakespeare, so all of the language isn't clear, but you can tell what they mean so many times by how they say it. I love watching their emotion and their changes in thought and feeling. I have not been able to express in words what I love about performances like this, except that I love the emotion and honesty of the characters! This is what touches me and inspires me in my own special way. This is my passion that God has blessed me with. :)
