Cute President Eyring was talking I heard him say that when we are being more like the Savior, we are happy. When we are unhappy, it is because of selfishness. I know that isn't exactly how he said it, but I have white hair and the point is, when we are unhappy, we are being selfish. I felt like I had been hit between the eyes. It is so simple, to the point and makes such good sense, just like most of the Gospel Principals are. That statement explained so much.
I was puttering in the kitchen (I have to move or I relax, listening, and drift right off) and my mind wandered off to one night at mutual in the spring of 1964. There was a terrible fad of going around calling everyone "Ugly". My brother did it all time, while laughing. He was just doing what everyone else was doing. My mom told me that if he really thought I was ugly, he wouldn't call me that, he was just teasing me. It wasn't any big deal.
Then, one night at mutual, I was standing in the hall with my brother and some other kids. The girl that my brother had a major crush on came up to us, looked at my brother, and said, "Hi Ugly!" My brother laughed, but I looked up right then, looked into his eyes, and my heart nearly broke for him. It had just about killed the poor guy. I had never looked into any one's eyes before. When I went home and told my mom what I had seen, she gave me such a strange look and said, "Don't ever forget what you learned tonight. You have learned how to really get to others and understand them".
It has been a blessing and a curse for me. Sometimes, my heart breaks at what I see in other's eyes. That can soften my heart and help me desire to be more like the Savior. If I caused the pain, I have another burden carrying around by my wrong doing, even if I didn't mean to and apologies don't take away the pain. Other times, it makes me aware of a weakness and I have been tempted to take advantage. I am ashamed that can even cross my mind. And of course, sometimes I have gotten some pretty good laughs when I can see through the bravado of a silly person trying to make an impression . . . there goes that naughty me again!
Another time, my mom told me that shy people were just self centered and too concerned worrying about what others were thinking of "me". This was from a woman who had grown up very shy as a girl, was still fighting with her shyness and who had helped her own daughter overcome her shyness when she was very young (and boy did she come to regret that one!). If someone didn't want to be shy, they should look around and worry about how to make others feel comfortable, etc. I have watched that one unfold before my eyes repeatedly. I don't think that applies to young children, but it sure does as we grow into maturity. Think about it and watch, you will see what I mean. So now, when those who know me, see me really reaching out to others, you will know what I am feeling and how I am trying to overcome it. It works quite well and can sure make life less miserable, trust me!
3 comments:
I love the picture of Elder Eyring with his hand stretched out. Good thoughts about taking the time to really look at people and see what is in their hearts. I need to do that.
I still have trouble overcoming shyness. That is a good way to look at it....try to make others feel comfortable. Thanks for the wisdom.
When I was 6 I was so shy, I hid behind my mom's skirt. She decided to put me into a dance class. It took my mom and teacher 6 weeks to get me on the dance floor. Since then, I have not had a problem of being in front of others. I love to find out about them and hear their stories. Sharron, thank you for sharing your story!
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