The Little Things

"I've been impressed recently with the thought that this life is made up of little things- little things that count a great deal... I believe that the little things are of great importance....These little things- which, in reality become such big things- bring perspective to our lives as we learn to conquer them one by one in our effort to gain strength. The so-called little things really do count in the eternal persepective of what it is all about, and that is, to gain eternal life in the presence of our Heavenly Father." - Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin

I dated this guy once who always told me not to sweat the small stuff. To not worry so much about everything and to just relax and think about the big picture. He wasn't wrong. He was quite right actually. I know what your thinking, "SHELBY! HELLO?!?! Did you not just read that awesome quote at the top of your post?" Well, yes indeedy I did! Many times infact. When he told me this it helped me not to focus on all that trivial stuff. Like crashing my car, or running out of gas, and sometimes even thinking about what I said to people and thinking if it was okay or not. I had a major issue with worrying. I still do, but it isn't as bad. The only thing that backfired with this advice was that I started to look at only the big picture. Saying.. I have time, things will work themselves out, it doesn't matter now. I say unto you... "WRONGO BONGO" (I just quoted John Bytheway haha) things won't just work themselves out, and it does matter now. I have eternity, but do I want to screw that up? I started to think about the little things...

Being friends with everyone.

Loving my enemies.

Giving Service.

Reading good books.

The standards I set.

What I say.

How hard I work.

Who I choose to be around.

Among other small things. I realized that I forgot to do those things. Something has happened to me recently that I want to share. I have been worried for the past couple of days about a friend. About their choices and about what they want to do. I have been worried about things that I probably shouldn't be worrying about, because it isn't me. Then I talked with my good friend Kaity. She told me something I will never forget... " What if you don't say anything? Then you get to heaven and that person looks at you and says.. Why didn't you tell me?? You said you would tell me?" It hit me hard. I realized right then and there that they small things, like worrying about a friend and telling them that you love them everyday, are very important. I also strengthened my testimony of prayer. That when things are out of your hands and you have done all you can do... you have to turn it over to the lord. He will always be there to answer and to help, especially if you are sincere.

So I guess, all I really wanted to say was... Once you have seen the big picture and you know what you want. Focus on the the little things. Make the little things count. Because that is what will get you back to your father in heaven.

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