Grey Matter

If it seems grey, it is a polluted white. Black is just plain wrong.

My thoughts on things that make a difference

Just thinking about all the wonderful people around me, and all the good examples in my life. I am so grateful to have known the people that i have, and i look forward to the people that i have yet to meet. I used to wonder how i could make a difference in the world around me unless I deliver powerful speeches to millions of people or build a hospital in Zimbabwe or discover the cure for mysterious yet prevalent diseases. But then as I saw the kind deeds done around me, I got to thinking that the small things really are big. There is really so much that one single person can do to change the world around them. Standing for goodness and acquiring Christlike attributes can strengthen lives that you touch, people that you know, in a much more powerful way than I think we can understand right now. Love, forgive, have patience, faith, hope, diligence, cultivate your testimony - these things will lead to immeasurable service and worth to the sphere around you. I think about the Prophets of God and the faithful lives they led before their great calling, and the faithful lives they continued to lead throughout their lives. The pure heart and intentions of Mother Teresa and Ghandi. The kind, tender, infatigable and caring spirits of Betsie Ten Boom, Eric Liddell, and even the fictional character Melanie Wilkes. I see a beautiful sister from church each week that has gained such a strong testimony of Christ, and I see that radiate from her actions, words, and lovely face. I see the cosistant and compassionate service given by the church leaders around me. I think of the beautiful and aged sister that I've seen almost every Saturday working hard to serve others and who keeps a smile on her face and sincere concern for others' well-being despite her age and the arthritis I see in her hands; she also never passes up an opportunity to praise someone and offer confidential and loving correction when she knows it's necessary. There are so many others that come to mind. I stand awestruck when I'm able to just take a step back and realize how precious, beautiful, and amazing each person is and what a difference they can make to those around them, including themselves.
How wonderful and blessed and holy it is to have a change of heart wrought by the Savior. What a beautiful, beautiful thing to keep that change and allow it to become who you are and encompass your very being.