Just a thought

"No pain that we suffer, not trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude, and humility. ... It is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation that we gain the education that we come here to acquire."
                                 - Elder Orson F. Whitney

"But he knoweth the way that take; when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold."
                                 -Job 23:10

A Very Overdue Post

First of all, Sorry!  I know that this post has taken my awhile to get done but it is better late than never. Also, this is a long one (just warning you ahead of time) but you should still read it :)

I was inspired to write after participating in a relief society activity last Thursday.  We were to have a talent show for the elderly at a care center. Unfortunately, I don’t really have a talent that I can perform, but I came anyway to support my friends and get some free cake ;)

Along the way, I noticed a little old lady sitting all by herself, looking rather sad.

I don’t know if you know, but I am not the most outgoing person on the block and the idea of just sitting down and talking to a stranger absolutely terrifies me.

Just as I was about to toss that idea, that little voice started speaking to my heart. And like it usually does, it told me that I had to do what I didn’t want to.

I finally gave up and pulled up a chair next to her, asking her how she was.

Her name is Mary. She enjoys the Hunger Games series, watches Grey’s Anatomy and she thinks that skittles are the most amazing treat on the planet. Honestly, that was one of the most amazing conversations that I have ever had.

I cheered her up, and she made my day.

When I got home, I started thinking about what effect one person can have on another. Why is it that we don’t talk more?

Every single day we walk past so many people in the grocery store, down the street, on the bus without even saying hello. Imagine what we all could accomplish if we started talking to the people sitting next to us in class or if we asked how someone was doing as they passed us in the hallway. Not only could we make the day better for them, but I think that it would change our day as well!

All we have to do is speak up!

I decided to challenge myself so that every time I see someone, I have to at least let out a “hello” or “good afternoon”.  Just a little start, but hopefully I will be able to make a difference in someone’s day.

I will let you know how it goes :)

Have a great one!

Kendra Ann