Building Muscles

Easy to see by such a critical eye, we all have weaknesses. And the most critical eyes are our own. We tend to compare ourselves with others and it is usually us comparing our weaknesses to others' strengths. Because we tend to do the comparing to others we forget to look for our strengths because we are feeling so worthless because we can only see how others are better than us. I really enjoyed the recent conference talk given by President Uchtdorf entitled Forget Me Not because he touched on this subject. He said, "I want to tell you something that I hope you will take in the right way: God is fully aware that you and I are not perfect.Let me add: God is also fully aware that the people you think are perfect are not. And yet we spend so much time and energy comparing ourselves to others—usually comparing our weaknesses to their strengths. This drives us to create expectations for ourselves that are impossible to meet. As a result, we never celebrate our good efforts because they seem to be less than what someone else does. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses." Though I have always been taught this principle, it is so comforting to hear from a humble servant of God whom I really admire. Uchtdorf then goes on to say, "It’s wonderful that you have strengths. And it is part of your mortal experience that you do have weaknesses. God wants to help us to eventually turn all of our weaknesses into strengths, but He knows that this is a long-term goal. He wants us to become perfect, and if we stay on the path of discipleship, one day we will. It’s OK that you’re not quite there yet. Keep working on it, but stop punishing yourself. Dear sisters, many of you are endlessly compassionate and patient with the weaknesses of others. Please remember also to be compassionate and patient with yourself." What better message for me at this time in my life while I am surrounded by such talented people. While walking around campus I often think about how everyone is so talented, they play multiple instruments, sing, dance, are involved in multiple athletics and on top of that are able to stay involved in church and school and keep up their grades. It's so easy for me to get discouraged because I think, I don't play any instruments, don't sing like a star, only run on occasion, and am trying my best to keep up with school. I often have to call my mom when I am feeling down because she is not as critical of me. She is able to point out my strengths and suggests ways that I can use those strengths to help serve others.

She often reminds me of the service that I was able to provide for the sisters in my Relief Society last year. I would often do little things to help others feel loved or of worth and many times it was just to brighten their day a little. I would write little notes, show up at random times with treats, or simply sit and listen. At the time I didn't think of it of more than me being a friend to them, but as my mom points out to me I was using my talents to help. I was developing those talents and abilities and making them my strengths. Now I know that I have a strength in looking after others and being Heavenly Father's hands in loving His children.

It is easy to get down because comparing is just part of being human. It is a talent to be able to recognize the talents and strengths that Heavenly Father has blessed you with and to be able to utilize those talents to serve others. I am going to try to not only recognize one thing each day that I was able to accomplish because of my strength, but to try a small thing each day to strengthen my weaknesses so that I am being obedient and making my weaknesses become strengths.