The Important Goals

I was really depressed earlier this week because I got an 80% on my Physical Science midterm. I wrote a blog post about it, actually, but then didn't post it because it was a little too angsty. I didn't want to spread the hate - this blog is all about spreading the love.

Everyone keeps on telling me that class is "so easy." It makes me feel kind of stupid. If it is so easy, then why can't I get an A? This was troubling me for some time, and I was beginning to wonder if I could accomplish anything meaningful in my life. Everyone knows it is a universal law of intellectualism that only people who can swim through the Special Theory of Relativity and Steller Pallaxes are valuable to society. (Sarcasm)

The truth is, everyone is incredibly important, no matter where their talents lie.

I have been thinking a lot about my very good friend Meg and her baby lately. Madelyn was born six weeks early and very small. She was a mere three pounds and had to spend two months in the NICU. Madelyn is almost a year now, and she has not grown or developed very much. Jordan and I went to visit her and her parents in the hospital this weekend. While we were there I thought, "Oh, I hope this baby is able to do everything Meg wants her to some day."

The truth is, Madelyn has already done so much. She may not be able to roll over or see very well. But she has ignited a transformation in my heart that helped me to see past the physical world and find the spiritual truths that surround us. When I talk with Meg, and listen to her tell me about all the trials Madelyn has faced before the age of one, I can hear the Savior's voice. Meg has been through so much on behalf of her child, and I am sure she will go through a lot more. Meg is unbelievably patient, she is optimistic, she is brave, and she is so madly in love with her daughter. When you see Meg look at Madelyn you wouldn't think there was a single thing wrong with that baby. Meg knows her daughter is delayed, but she has the ability to see past all the doctors' diagnoses and see the incredible, pure spirit of Madelyn. A brave daughter of God that was willing to come to Earth amidst the many trials Heavenly Father has allowed her to face.

Last General Conference President Monson shared a story about a wonderful flower that a gardener had placed in an old, broken pot. When a friend asked the gardener why she had put the most beautiful flower in the worst pot the gardener replied, "This flower was so beautiful, I thought it wouldn't mind starting out in that old pot, just for a little while." To Meg, and myself, Madelyn is that precious flower. She has left an impression on my heart that I hope to share with my own daughter some day. I am so grateful to know that little girl and her incredible mother.

There are so many wonderful examples of gospel truths in my life. I just hope that I can be an example to others, too. When I stand before God at the judgment day I doubt He is going to ask me, "Did you get an A in Physical Science?" Instead, He will say, "Did you share my gospel with others in both word and deed? Were you a light to those around you?" I hope I can respond "Yes."

Life isn't about our worldly accomplishments. Whether or not I write a Pulitzer Prize winner is not as important as whether or not I raise my daughter to love God with all her soul, might, mind, and strength. The critics and literary hot-shots will recognize me more for the first, but God will recognize me more for the latter. I just have to decide who I am trying to impress.

And just like Joshua I say, "Choose you this day whom ye will serve, but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."