What we don't see during the Olympics is their life of training. Falls, broken bones, blood, sweat, tears, maybe even times where they felt like failures. They persevered through it all, they put all their focus and their energy on improving their specific talents day in and day out over their lifetime so they can compete as these amazing Olympians. We are lucky enough to get to witness all the hard work added up in to one or two specific competitions.
It just got me thinking... how do I Channel into my Inner Olympian? ha! We all were born with specific gifts and talents that are unique to us. Why do we spend so much energy comparing ourselves or our gifts to others when each person is so different. Are we spending more energy focusing on the things that we may think are lacking about us? Or are we taking the gifts and talents that we have, whatever they may be, and spending our time and energy improving them?
"I Have a Work for Thee." -Elder John C. Pingree Jr
President Spencer W. Kimball taught: “Before we came [to earth, we] were given certain assignments. … While we do not now remember the particulars, this does not alter the glorious reality of what we once agreed to.”2 What an ennobling truth! Our Heavenly Father has specific and significant things for you and me to accomplish (see Ephesians 2:10).
These divine assignments are not reserved for a privileged few but are for all of us—regardless of gender, age, race, nationality, income level, social status, or Church calling. Every one of us has a meaningful role to play in furthering God’s work (see Moses 1:39).
Some of us question whether Heavenly Father can use us to make important contributions. But remember, He has always used ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things (see 1 Corinthians 1:27–28; D&C 35:13; 124:1). “[We] are agents,” and “the power is in [us]” to “bring to pass much righteousness” (D&C 58:27–28).3
I also love what Joy D. Jones said in this past General Conference.Joy D. Jones in Value Beyond Measure
“God is your Father. He loves you. He and your mother in heaven value you beyond any measure. … You are unique. One of a kind, made of the eternal intelligence which gives you claim upon eternal life.
“Let there be no question in your mind about your value as an individual. The whole intent of the gospel plan is to provide an opportunity for each of you to reach your fullest potential, which is eternal progression and the possibility of godhood.”2
Despite this marvelous truth, how many of us struggle, from time to time, with negative thoughts or feelings about ourselves? I do. It’s an easy trap. Satan is the father of all lies, especially when it comes to misrepresentations about our own divine nature and purpose. Thinking small about ourselves does not serve us well. Instead it holds us back. As we’ve often been taught, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”5 We can stop comparing our worst to someone else’s best. “Comparison is the thief of joy.”6
In contrast, the Lord assures us that when we have virtuous thoughts, He will bless us with confidence, even the confidence to know who we really are. There’s never been a more crucial time to heed His words. “Let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly,” He said. “Then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and … the Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion.”7
Elder Paul E. Koelliker taught, “As we remove the distractions that pull us toward the world and exercise our agency to seek Him, we open our hearts to a celestial force which draws us toward Him.”13 If the love we feel for the Savior and what He did for us is greater than the energy we give to weaknesses, self-doubts, or bad habits, then He will help us overcome the things which cause suffering in our lives. He saves us from ourselves.
Let me reemphasize: if the pull of the world is stronger than the faith and trust we have in the Savior, then the pull of the world will prevail every time. If we choose to focus on our negative thoughts and doubt our worth instead of clinging to the Savior, it becomes more difficult to feel the impressions of the Holy Ghost."
I know I have had plenty of times where I have had negative thoughts about myself or my abilities to accomplish certain things... I can be pulled into a dark place, a place where I can't feel impressions of the spirit. Where I feel like God is so distant. Now I realize it is not God being distant, but it is me putting my energy and focus on distractions of the world, my own imperfections, or focusing on the negative things that I can't control. Thats what the adversary wants. He wants us to be miserable and focus on all the things that we can't do, instead of putting our energy on all the things we CAN!
So I don't know about you, but I'm ready to Channel into my inner Olympian and fight as hard as I can to put ALL MY ENERGY into ways I can improve my own gifts and talents and follow the purpose God has for me, no matter how hard or simple they may seem sometimes. To put my energy into thinking positively about myself, to serving and building up my children, my family, neighbors, and friends. I'm ready to quit comparing someone else's best to my worst, and fight to have the spirit in my life always so I can be my best self and in the best place to help those around me. I'm ready to "cling to my Savior" & and keep building and persevering towards who God wants me to be. I'm ready to be my best self, and live a the best life I'm capable of.
Phillipians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Phillipians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
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