"For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it." (Matthew 16:25)
"The best mirror is an old friend." (George Herbert)
Being "all that we can be" has never appeared easier. The Internet and related technological advances have personalized and made available information, knowledge, skills and opportunities for learning to an extent unknown in the history of man.
Today, the world over, from Montana to Mongolia, the average adult is healthier, better educated, and more aware of the world in which he lives than any other previous generation. The increased disposable time we enjoy via modern conveniences allows us to focus on self-improvement, hygiene, fashion, the cultivation of hobbies and talents, advanced degrees, exotic travel and many, many noble activities of self-fulfillment.
But how can we keep our quest for self-improvement from becoming a trap of self-centered living? In our efforts to make ourselves more lovable, do we neglect to focus on loving others along the way?
Paradoxically enough, we often find our best selves reflected in the bright eyes of those to whom we have opened our hearts. We may be introverted or extroverted, shy or gregarious, but our best, most sincere "self" emerges consistently as we reach out to our family and friends. Ultimately, what good are talents, hobbies, wealth, and education if their assiduous cultivation robs us of the "weightier matters?" (D&C 117:8) Be it quality time, small acts of service, affectionate words, gifts from the heart or a generous embrace, we stoke the embers of our own divinity as we share the light of selfless love. To quote an old children's song:
Love is something if you give it away,
Give it away, give it away.
Love is something if you give it away,
You end up having more.
It's just like a magic penny,
Hold it tight and you won't have any.
Lend it, spend it, and you'll have so many
They'll roll all over the floor.
-"Magic Penny" by Malvina Reynolds
Hopefully our efforts to becoming "all that we can be" in the modern age will eschew the self-absorbed concept of "finding ourselves" for the infinitely more rewarding approach of "sharing ourselves."
"The best mirror is an old friend." (George Herbert)
Being "all that we can be" has never appeared easier. The Internet and related technological advances have personalized and made available information, knowledge, skills and opportunities for learning to an extent unknown in the history of man.
Today, the world over, from Montana to Mongolia, the average adult is healthier, better educated, and more aware of the world in which he lives than any other previous generation. The increased disposable time we enjoy via modern conveniences allows us to focus on self-improvement, hygiene, fashion, the cultivation of hobbies and talents, advanced degrees, exotic travel and many, many noble activities of self-fulfillment.
But how can we keep our quest for self-improvement from becoming a trap of self-centered living? In our efforts to make ourselves more lovable, do we neglect to focus on loving others along the way?
Paradoxically enough, we often find our best selves reflected in the bright eyes of those to whom we have opened our hearts. We may be introverted or extroverted, shy or gregarious, but our best, most sincere "self" emerges consistently as we reach out to our family and friends. Ultimately, what good are talents, hobbies, wealth, and education if their assiduous cultivation robs us of the "weightier matters?" (D&C 117:8) Be it quality time, small acts of service, affectionate words, gifts from the heart or a generous embrace, we stoke the embers of our own divinity as we share the light of selfless love. To quote an old children's song:
Love is something if you give it away,
Give it away, give it away.
Love is something if you give it away,
You end up having more.
It's just like a magic penny,
Hold it tight and you won't have any.
Lend it, spend it, and you'll have so many
They'll roll all over the floor.
-"Magic Penny" by Malvina Reynolds
Hopefully our efforts to becoming "all that we can be" in the modern age will eschew the self-absorbed concept of "finding ourselves" for the infinitely more rewarding approach of "sharing ourselves."
A powerful reminder, and perfectly expressed. Thanks Andrew. You bring me back to truths that keep me centered and focused on what is most important. I hope you are doing well!
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