More often than not as we hurry to keep up with this ever increasingly fast paced life in which we live, we tend to forget this simple yet so profound piece of advice. We struggle to put in the hours at work, or become overwhelmed because no matter how hard we try the house just doesn't seem to get or stay looking how we envision it should. Our kids, spouse, or both, won't listen and seem to purposely be driving us out of our minds. And through all of it we let the light we have been commanded to share fizzle a little and sometimes just outright fade away completely.
Fortunately we are blessed at times throughout our busy lives to be reminded of the power and influence our one little light, properly allowed to shine, can have on a multitude of people. Today, for those attending Sister Campbells funeral, was one of those days. While I didn't know her very well, I have had the privilege of working with her children for a brief time.
I am blown away and humbled at the influence she had on not only her family but the many, and there were many, who came out to celebrate her life. Two things came to mind today as I sat there. First, if I could have only half of the people she had there when I die, I would consider myself a very fortunate person. And second, and most important, if my children and spouse have the testimonies as hers do, and can attribute even a small part of that to anything I may have done, like hers did, I will be a success.
We can travel through this life and pick up lots of sweet toys along the way, but everything we gain comes with a cost. Where we excel in one area we most certainly fall short in another. As we go along, my wish is that we can realize that its what we leave behind that matters most. Not toys and material things, but a testimony in a child, a spouse, certain of our love and devotion, and a family full of knowledge and faith.
Wow! AMEN! I wish I could put my feelings into words so well!
ReplyDeletehonestly, huh? that was truly inspiring, and i'm so thankful i have been touched by her light. thanks for putting it in that perspective and helping me review the day (are you sure my prince charming and dwarfs aren't deliberately trying to make me insane?), maybe I can reach a little higher. i was SO touched by president campbell's words of tribute, and especially her oldest son, who she talked of often. her heart must have been bursting with happiness!
ReplyDeleteThat was a amazing service for a amazing woman. i love when you feel the spirit that strong. I can't imagine one person walking out of that meeting not wanting to try harder. What a great family. Great post.
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