Sunday, March 25, 2012

Along the Way

A few days ago, my mission president died.  He had such a profound influence on me and a huge impact on the person I am today.  He saw potential in me that I didn't see in myself.  He taught me about hard work, listening to the spirit, and the power of prayer. He was a great man, and his death hit me harder than I expected.

In the last few days I also ran into a couple of my favorite teachers from school.  These teachers, along with a few others, taught with passion.  They showed me that being smart is not only cool, but also important.  They taught me to think critically and that the quest for knowledge is an exciting journey.

As I have been looking back on my life these last few days and thinking about these individuals, I see that my Heavenly Father has placed key people into my life at key moments.  Each of these individuals changed the course of my life for the better.  I see these individuals in every aspect of my life, not just the spiritual moments. 

One thing about these people is that, by the world's standards, they weren't important. They weren't flashy. They didn't seek praise. In fact, most would be considered simple.  But their quiet dedication is what made the difference for me.  They not only did what was required of them,  they were dedicated to their task, and they performed their duties with love and passion.  Whether or not they know it, their loves touched my and changed it for the better.

Heavenly Father knows me.  He loves me. He knows my strengths. He knows my weaknesses.  And because he knows me, he placed the individuals I would need into my life at the precise moment I would need them.  The more I think about it the more I can see god's hand in my life, and that gives me great comfort.