Class (1/23)

1. Since we are surrounded by so many leadership-driven and goal-oriented people, it is easy for me to think that everyone is the same way. This year I have learned to appreciated more types of people and I have learned that everyone has something that they bring to the table. I can learn something from each person that I come in contact with. Sometimes, these people fall into the category of "the least of these." We all need to try and help those people, while also being receptive to what they can teach us. Service Squad definitely attracts a different crowd than most volunteer opportunities, and that has been great for me. If I go to Service Squad and I am receptive to the Spirit I am better able to help those around me. In my future service, I think one way to apply this counsel is to look for the good in each person and to be nonjudgmental. 

2. I think that the best way to learn from someone who may come from a different educational background is to have an open heart. This can only happen with a conscious effort. I try to pray and ask Heavenly Father to help me to learn from the speaker. The scriptures teach us that if we ask, seek, and knock the Lord will open our minds and help us. [Please note the lack of the Oxford comma in the preceding sentence.]  I have felt that occur when I served at the MTC last year. Some of the missionaries came in and it was evident by his speech that we had more education. My roommate who was volunteering with me and I had said a prayer that we would be receptive to the missionaries' message and that prayer came to be. It was one of the most powerful lessons that I heard during that semester and I was grateful to the Lord for the Spirit that was present in the room so we all could be uplifted together.