Do It When It Really Counts

First we had Outdoor Zone Conference last Thursday and it was awesome! We had great instruction in the morning from our Assistants to the President, President & Sister Woods. The topic was on teaching and becoming Master Teachers. Many of us have been given a gift to teach, while others need to refine their teaching skills. One thing that was taught that we could all use in our everyday lives: Be present - listen to the entire conversation of the other person, without interrupting. Then answer or respond. By forming our next question before we hear their response, we just frustrate the whole communication process.

On Saturday, I was privileged to go to Baton Rouge for a Relief Society Celebration of Women meeting. It was great. Sheri Dew flew in from Utah to speak to us and she spoke on Finding Joy in the Journey. One story that she shared was from the 2002 Olympics. She had gone to the Men's Figure Skating Finals and watched the entire event. She noticed that all of the participants skated flawless warm-up/practice sessions. But only 3 out of 24 were able to complete their "Final Performance" without falling. Those three won the medals. They were all able to perform well without the pressure or the camera rolling. But when it really counted only three were up to the task.

Our lives are much like this. We do well until something happens; we go thru a trial or a test. What really matters is how we do when it really counts - when the pressure is on and when the cameras are rolling. She asked us, "Can you do it when it really counts? Even when the hurricanes come - do we do it? Do we do what the Lord needs us to do? Sure there are days that are not easy. It's not supposed to be easy. This life is a test and we each have our individually tailored curriculum. He gives us more than we can handle, so we will turn to Him and seek His power."

She related a quote that Elder Jeffrey R. Holland gave recently at a funeral. He said, "We spend too much of our lives acting as though we're going to stay here; when we aren't, we can't and we won't."

Weekly challenge. Sister Dew shared this challenge with the women of Louisiana and I want to pass it on to you. "Ask the Lord to teach you how it feels "for you" to receive revelation." It's different for everyone and once you know how it feels - you will be able to "do it when it really counts."