Children of God

Dean Cox is a servant leader. Simply by volunteering to present during class (AGAIN) exemplified his loving, charitable nature. He lives what he teaches.

I really try not to get really heated or upset because I HATE the way it makes me feel. I try not to make assumptions and I like to give people the benefit of the doubt. I believe people are innately good. However, there is one thing that can get me worked up and that is when someone seriously/spitefully hurts a loved one of mine. I lose it. My blood starts boiling and I go in defensive mode. At these times, I can show more emotion than an actor in a gladiator movie:

Jack and Jill (names changed obviously) are the only two people that I can think of that have REALLY tried my patience because of the way they have repeatedly torn me or someone I love most apart. At one point, I almost felt paralyzed by my anger. Hatred is a disease that will slowly and painfully kill the possessor. Every time I thought of these two individuals, I would get upset and angry. Every time I let those emotions take over, it was as if I was injecting a drop of a lethal poison into my body.  I learned from a young age that I will never be able to control others, I can only control myself.  I had to change my heart. I did. 

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.
Martin Luther King, Jr. 

Sometimes we are required to take the higher road. We are required to step up and be mature. None of us are perfect. We all make mistakes. Everyone was raised differently. Some have overcome tremendous trials to be standing where they are when you meet them. We must go to the roots to truly understand the fruits. There are reasons people are the way that they are and we must not overlook those reasons. If we are so quick to judge, we are less able to love.  

The best way, in my opinion, is to think of them as little children...

Knowing that we are children of God means that we are all of divine heritage. We are all Children of God with astounding potential and promise. We must remember that the Lord can heal each of us and make us better. 

When we treat others the way they rightfully deserve (whether they do or not) we will aid in their process of becoming their best selves (Hawthorne Effect). Ultimately we all want to be loved. We all are fighting to belong. Some just do it more "graceful and bearable" than others. We must see other people as they may become, not as they are. When we do this, it is easier to love and to forgive. 

It is interesting because I already strive to do this with my loved ones. I can tell you that it makes a WORLD of difference to change the perspective. when I think of them in their truest potential, I want to do nothing but lift them up and serve them. My husband and my five family members are six people I cannot live without. It is easy to be the hardest on those you love most. Put away the microscope that searches for the minor faults and weaknesses and LOVE.  The love I feel for them blossoms and grows tremendously each day. 

 When we serve, we love.

“The more we serve our fellowmen in appropriate ways, the more substance there is to our souls”

-President Kimball