Devotional: Tues. Nov. 14th

I was really touched by the words of President Monson during Tuesday's devotional. I deeply respect this wonderful man who has dedicated his life to helping others. Below is a brief personal capture of his sermon.

President Monson began his talk by discussing several historical settings he had witnessed and experienced, and then suggested that the gate of history and our life swing on small hinges. He suggested that there are 3 gates we need to open wide, and walk through to our exaltation. The three gates being: preparation, performance, and service.

1. Preparation: “If ye are prepared, ye will not fear.”
- He suggested that if we don’t have goals we will find it hard to succeed.
- He also said that not having a goal is like running up and down a football field without ever crossing the goal line.
- He said (in reference to learning, etc.) that it’s not the number of hours we put in, but rather what we put in the hours.
- He also suggested that as we prepare we should not procrastinate, saying that procrastination is the thief of our self-respect.
- He ended by sharing a story of 3 boys who skipped class because they knew (or thought) they knew what would they would be tested on, only to find out the day of the final that they had prepared for the wrong question. (I felt this anecdote suggesting we need to be prepared in all things – to make valiant efforts to be well balanced and to search for knowledge in all areas, thus being prepared for any type of challenge/ question, etc.)

2. Performance: “Be an example of the believers, in word, deed, act, …”
- He invited us not to compromise, but to rather chose the harder right over the easier wrong.
- He said that the saddest thing in life is wasted talent.
- He suggested that we don’t do things to get something, but rather do it because it’s the right thing, consequently drawing you closer to Christ.
- He also suggested that we remember when times are hard that others have passed that way; certainly Christ knows your struggles and will be there for you, as too will others (be one of the others.)
- He invited to choose our friends carefully, and to have true love of parents (respect and honor.)
- Finally he invited us to know, teach, and live the truth (he exemplified this statement by relating a story of Elder Anderson who after finding the car out of gas because of his son still walked the long cold trek to early morning meetings.)

3. Service: “Those who are truly happy are those who have found/ rendered service.”
- He reminded us that hope dispels despair, using the story of the youth group serving a poor neighbor named Louis.
- He quoted scripture of how it is more blessed to give than receive.
- He invited us to think of the life of Christ, a life of service.
- He said that when we are in-tune, we’ll find opportunities to serve.
- He invited us to think of “Who” you serve, and to ask Him “what would ye have me do?” And then to dedicate each day seeking heavenly guidance and help to do these things.
- He ended with a story of a mother who had several children and had been busily meeting the needs to her best of each child when finally in the evening she was at wits end and asked to have her burden lightened, she was told (simply in her mind) that no you can’t come to me – but “I” will come to you. Pres. Monson used this story to remind us that the Lord knows and cares for each one of us – and that he will be there as we serve and do our best.

I was touched by not only the wonderful words President Monson shared, but by his wonderful spirit and example.