Be The Change You Wish To See

As I'm diving into my coursework this semester, I am feeling a bit overwhelmed.  Part of this is due to the perception I had after Week 1 of Social Innovation.  Fortunately, Brother Davis shared some of his journey and where he has made a difference, and I realized that my role, MY CHANGE THAT I WISH TO SEE doesn't need to be a great undertaking that affects masses of people, that it can actually be more of what I am seeing as my calling - to make a difference where I am directed. I appreciate this perspective.  Last week I was a bit overwhelmed with the idea of Social Innovation, in that there is so much focus on the big projects.  I feel very drawn to my influence affecting "the one" instead of the many.  I also understand that affecting "the one" can affect entire families, communities, and beyond. 

"Be the change you wish to see in the world." Although this quote is attributed to Mahatma Gandhi, he actually said: "If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change towards him. ... We need not wait to see what others do."

This was a really great read - What is your Calling in Life It has helped me refine and realize the callings I have already fulfilled currently am in, but also where I am being guided and directed in my current calling.  Over the past 2 years, I have been able to explore my passion, define, and refine where I am going, and what I really want to do to make a difference. 

“Think about your life’s work without anxiety – because when we ponder our calling in life through the lens of the restored gospel, we don’t need to feel anxious"  What a beautiful thought!  This idea sounds so simple, but is so true!  Inviting the Lord into our ponderings and decisions, we will feel peace, not anxiety.  The "Heresies" that Jeffrey A. Thompson listed in the article pointed out many truths, that help align our "calling" with what we know as truths in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  He said, "We need to be very cautious about our motives for the work we do.  It is tempting to say, 'I serve my family when I'm at home, I serve God when I'm at church, and I serve my career when I'm at work.' We must see our work as but another extension of the Lord's commandment to serve His children and 'bring to pass much righteousness.'"  Observing this truth, we need to invite the Lord into all aspects of our lives, realize that there are always opportunities to serve, and capitalize on those.