The other night I went to see the musical "The Man of La Mancha," which is one of my all time favorite movies and the play was also very good. The story is of Cervantes (the author of Don Quixote from which the play/film are very loosely based) being put on trial amongst a group of hardened prisoners. As his defense he presents a play in the prison about a Don Quixote, a crazed old man who believes that he is a knight and is on a quest to defeat evil and do good.
Part of the power of the play is in how the old man sees the world and people around him. In the famous song "The Impossible Dream" Quixote discusses the need to fight for the right, even if it is a failing cause. But the most touching part for me is when a fellow prisoner confronts Cervantes about the need to see life as it is. Cervantes replies about the madness of seeing life as it is and not as it should be, which made me think a great deal over the past days.
Was Cervantes in this play right? Is it worth it to always fight for our dreams and for what is right, even when it is impossible? Are we supposed to see life as it should be, including the people in it? And my feeling is, yes. In reality, isn't that the ultimate message of the gospel? The really neat thing about that, however, is the realization that the good will ultimately win, even if there are tough times ahead. But really imagine what would happen if we treated people like we would like to be treated, or if we all really worked to do what was right. In the play, the kindness and idealism of Don Quixote changes the life of a prostitute who comes to see herself as the kind knight did, as a woman with the potential for greatness and virtue. Because of Quixote she changes her life. And that is why we ought to see things as they should be, because we have the power and capacity to change ourselves and our lives, and if we only see things as they are then we will never achieve our true potential.
Anyways, those were some random thoughts I had from watching the play.
Tuesday, 22 May 2012
Saturday, 31 December 2011
New Year's Thoughts
With the end of this year, and the beginning of a new year arriving I was reflecting about the year and all that has happened (and with two trips to California I have had a lot of Nevada desert time to think). What a year it has been! It started with me attending BYU, for all of about three days before I stumbled upon an amazing internship opportunity in Washington DC with the LDS Church Office of Public and International Affairs. Despite the seeming bad timing it felt right, so I applied and was offered the position, and so I sold my apartment contract and dropped out of classes to move across the country in less than a week. But what an experience. I loved working for the Church knowing that even in small ways I was helping people come into contact with Christ's message of love and peace. Imagine what could happen if all the world lived the principles of love and charity, but more on that later. It was also a wonderful experience living with my sister and her family before they moved. It is a pretty neat experience to room with your niece and nephews, although they do occasionally wake you up early. In addition to all of this, I met so many great people and made so many great friends and was able to see so much of the amazing city that it was all so very worth it.
Then, as if I wasn't lucky enough, I was offered another internship opportunity in Edinburgh working with Scottish Parliament. It was a wonderful work experience, after all it isn't everyday you get to work in the office of a European parliamentarian. I also made some of the most amazing friends there in the other interns, as well as other members of the ward in Edinburgh. I was also able to travel, and see different people and cultures throughout Scotland, as well as Albania and Poland. It truly was a life changing experience, one that I am forever grateful for.
Then I finally returned to Utah, which is a little anti-climatic but also a good time. I just graduated from BYU, I have seen old friends and gained new friendships. And at the end of the year I can say that it has been a good year. It has come with its share of struggles and pain, but in the end that is part of what makes life so sweet. And the good times have far outweighed the bad, so I have everything to be grateful for.
And now, in comes a new year with immense possibilities. I am waiting to hear from a job that could take me anywhere across the US, I am applying to grad school in international studies, and who even knows what other opportunities might arise? And that is such an exciting thing. At this time last year, this year looked like a pretty ho-hum year, but it wasn't, and I have a feeling that this one isn't going to be either. So, I am looking forward to it.
The final thing that I wished to talk about briefly is a goal of mine. I have made a number of goals for this year to improve on, and one in particular that I wanted to briefly discuss. My goal is to become a kinder and more loving person. I have really felt the need for this over the last few months, because as I have learned about history and society, the pain and suffering of so many becomes more and more apparent. And I may not have the power to change everything, I can't solve famines in Africa, or wars in Israel. But maybe, just maybe, I can be a friend to someone who is lonely in my ward. Maybe I can cheer someone's day up even with just a smile. That I can do. That we can all do. We can all look a little harder for opportunities to be kind. We can all try a little harder not to judge, or to be kinder in our words. I can all try a little harder to make this world better and kinder and more loving, so that is one thing that I want my 2012 to look like.
Monday, 31 October 2011
I see you
In my sociology class several weeks ago, a guest speaker came and talked about a number of things which were great. One of the things that he mentioned is the common Zulu greeting, sawubono. Essentially, it is used as a common greeting, our equivalent of hello. But it is the direct translation and meaning that made me think, because it literally means "I see you." That little phrase has made me think quite a bit about how I react to other people.
I thought about walking around BYU campus, or the streets of Edinburgh, or Salt Lake, and all of the many people that I pass each day. Far too often I am caught up in my own little world with my own struggles, fears and failings, and I will walk by literally thousands of people without thinking about them, or really even recognizing their existence. On the same note I read an article that talked about how the question of what we do for a living has become one of the key questions in a conversation, because employment and monetary issues have become some of the most key aspects of life. But when was the last time that we really sought to know that person, even if we only meet them once? When was the last time I really tried to learn about their passions, their dreams, their hopes? In fact, that was one of the things that I loved most about my mission, is that our focus with people was always on things that really mattered, their family, their lives, their faith, etc.
And what do we miss when we fail to see the common humanity of others? Think of the jokes that could be enjoyed, the stories and experiences that could leave us in wonder, the cultural understanding that could bring more richness to our own worldview. There is so much richness and value that could be added into our lives simply by seeking to really "see" the people around us and recognize their humanity.
Again, I realize my posts are rambling and don't always make much sense, but regardless...The idea behind this post is that humanity has so much to offer, and we have so much to offer also. Think of the hope and happiness that can come into a lonely life simply by having a small act of kindness, or a new friend. In essence, not just a simple hello will do, but instead we must try and recognize the humanity of those around us in an effort to truly say that "I see you."
I thought about walking around BYU campus, or the streets of Edinburgh, or Salt Lake, and all of the many people that I pass each day. Far too often I am caught up in my own little world with my own struggles, fears and failings, and I will walk by literally thousands of people without thinking about them, or really even recognizing their existence. On the same note I read an article that talked about how the question of what we do for a living has become one of the key questions in a conversation, because employment and monetary issues have become some of the most key aspects of life. But when was the last time that we really sought to know that person, even if we only meet them once? When was the last time I really tried to learn about their passions, their dreams, their hopes? In fact, that was one of the things that I loved most about my mission, is that our focus with people was always on things that really mattered, their family, their lives, their faith, etc.
And what do we miss when we fail to see the common humanity of others? Think of the jokes that could be enjoyed, the stories and experiences that could leave us in wonder, the cultural understanding that could bring more richness to our own worldview. There is so much richness and value that could be added into our lives simply by seeking to really "see" the people around us and recognize their humanity.
Again, I realize my posts are rambling and don't always make much sense, but regardless...The idea behind this post is that humanity has so much to offer, and we have so much to offer also. Think of the hope and happiness that can come into a lonely life simply by having a small act of kindness, or a new friend. In essence, not just a simple hello will do, but instead we must try and recognize the humanity of those around us in an effort to truly say that "I see you."
Sunday, 18 September 2011
Who Against Hope Believed In Hope
Today at Church I had one of those days where it seems like everything that is said and taught is directed to you, like you are supposed to be learning a lesson. You see, in the past few weeks I had been struggling with a number of things, feeling overwhelmed with school and the GRE exam, as well as finishing homework for Scotland. On top of that, I was struggling personally, with unmet expectations of myself, as well as some painful social situations. I felt like it was all I could do to keep my head above water and keep treading just to get by to another day.
Then today there were two themes that really touched my soul and made me reflect and ponder. The first was about making decisions. One of the speakers in our Stake Presidency asked us to imagine that today was the End, and that I was standing before God today, and then asked if I would be happy with who I am? How would I feel if that were to happen? Would I feel satisfied if my mortal journey were through? There have been times when I would say yes, but the past weeks I don't know that I would. I know that the Gospel is true, yet the fear and sadness that have been weighing me down demonstrate a lack of faith. Luckily, I know that there are things that I can do to change that, there are little decisions that I can make to bring a greater level of peace into my life.
Which brings me to the second related theme, that the Gospel is all about hope! In reality the Gospel is all about looking at where we are, and more importantly who we are, and then helping us become better, or bringing us closer to God. Think about it, we are the children of God. He loves us, and His plan is perfect and can provide opportunities for us to return to Him. As Elder Oaks once said,
I am a child of God with a spirit lineage to heavenly parents. That parentage defines our eternal potential. That powerful idea is a potent antidepressant. It can strengthen each of us to make righteous choices and to seek the best that is within us.
What a beautiful realization that is. This then made me think of some of my favorite scriptures, in Romans chapters 4 and 8. Both are about hope, in Romans 8 talking about Abraham and the promise of posterity. Romans 8:14 says that Abraham, "against hope believed in hope." Abraham was old, his wife was old, people don't have kids then, to think that was against all hope, yet he trusted in the promises of Jehovah despite the seeming absurdity of the promises. Thus he believed in hope, he had a surety that the promises of God would be fulfilled. That is what I had been lacking, I had been lacking faith, I had started doubting God's promises to me, of a happy life, of future opportunities, and thus I had struggled. The second scripture in Romans 8:35-39 tells us why that hope will never die, and it is because of the love of Christ. Paul asks, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?" he then names a number of things that try, tribulations, pain, the hardships and stresses of life. But then he answers resoundingly, "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors, through him that loved us." In essence Paul is pleading with us to remember that there is always hope, always something ahead, always something to look forward to because of Jesus Christ. His love can overcome all barriers, all powers and all trials. The love of Christ can heal wounded hearts.
So this is a little random, and rambles, but I guess in the end there are times we all need to be reminded to "against hope believe in hope." Trust God that He will provide answers to your struggles, from self inflicted spiritual wounds, to the fear of unmet hopes, to the sorrows of broken hearts. Believe in hope, trust in God and make the little decisions that bring us closer to Him, and then we can look at our lives and realize that we would feel comfortable standing before Him.
Then today there were two themes that really touched my soul and made me reflect and ponder. The first was about making decisions. One of the speakers in our Stake Presidency asked us to imagine that today was the End, and that I was standing before God today, and then asked if I would be happy with who I am? How would I feel if that were to happen? Would I feel satisfied if my mortal journey were through? There have been times when I would say yes, but the past weeks I don't know that I would. I know that the Gospel is true, yet the fear and sadness that have been weighing me down demonstrate a lack of faith. Luckily, I know that there are things that I can do to change that, there are little decisions that I can make to bring a greater level of peace into my life.
Which brings me to the second related theme, that the Gospel is all about hope! In reality the Gospel is all about looking at where we are, and more importantly who we are, and then helping us become better, or bringing us closer to God. Think about it, we are the children of God. He loves us, and His plan is perfect and can provide opportunities for us to return to Him. As Elder Oaks once said,
I am a child of God with a spirit lineage to heavenly parents. That parentage defines our eternal potential. That powerful idea is a potent antidepressant. It can strengthen each of us to make righteous choices and to seek the best that is within us.
What a beautiful realization that is. This then made me think of some of my favorite scriptures, in Romans chapters 4 and 8. Both are about hope, in Romans 8 talking about Abraham and the promise of posterity. Romans 8:14 says that Abraham, "against hope believed in hope." Abraham was old, his wife was old, people don't have kids then, to think that was against all hope, yet he trusted in the promises of Jehovah despite the seeming absurdity of the promises. Thus he believed in hope, he had a surety that the promises of God would be fulfilled. That is what I had been lacking, I had been lacking faith, I had started doubting God's promises to me, of a happy life, of future opportunities, and thus I had struggled. The second scripture in Romans 8:35-39 tells us why that hope will never die, and it is because of the love of Christ. Paul asks, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?" he then names a number of things that try, tribulations, pain, the hardships and stresses of life. But then he answers resoundingly, "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors, through him that loved us." In essence Paul is pleading with us to remember that there is always hope, always something ahead, always something to look forward to because of Jesus Christ. His love can overcome all barriers, all powers and all trials. The love of Christ can heal wounded hearts.
So this is a little random, and rambles, but I guess in the end there are times we all need to be reminded to "against hope believe in hope." Trust God that He will provide answers to your struggles, from self inflicted spiritual wounds, to the fear of unmet hopes, to the sorrows of broken hearts. Believe in hope, trust in God and make the little decisions that bring us closer to Him, and then we can look at our lives and realize that we would feel comfortable standing before Him.
Sunday, 24 July 2011
Pioneer Day Reflections
Often I think that the biggest tests of our faith and courage aren't necessarily in the trials and struggles that we understand and go through. Instead, I think some of the biggest tests of our trust in God are in the moments where there is such uncertainty and doubt, and nothing seems clear about what is next. That is one of the reasons that I am so grateful for the Pioneer heritage that we have.
I thought about that a lot today, as we celebrate the life and history of the pioneers, they were willing to leave absolutely everything they knew and understood to travel across a vast wilderness that was little understood to resettle in a land that nobody seemed to really want. Mountain men who traveled the region bet them they would never be able to grow crops there, the past empire builders had left it largely untouched. But these brave men and women left their homes, their temples, literally everything that would not fit into a wagon or handcart and left. When they arrived they truly transformed a desert, making it bloom. Frequently once settled they would be called to leave their new homes, and go to settle another forsaken and barren region. And they did it.
Often, I feel that we are called to do the same. While we are not asked to settle deserts, or create new towns we are asked to put our trust in the Lord, unfailingly, even when we don't understand or cannot see the end result. We are asked to leave our comfort zones, and trust that the Lord has a plan, and that He will ensure that we are taken care of. In essence, we are asked to "be of good comfort." In some ways I feel that this is the hardest part of the Gospel plan, is to take those steps outwards, and move into the unknown and do so with faith and not fear.
In those times, I love the words of the hymn that "Come, come ye Saints, no toil nor labor fear, but with joy wend your way, though hard to you this journey may appear, grace shall be as your day." Might I share one more story of pioneers that is closer to my home. Many years ago, my mother and her family joined the Church after hearing the lessons taught by the missionaries. It was many years before my grandparents finally were baptized, but in the end my mother and her entire family were sealed together. They too left the things that they had known, and because of their courage I have the blessings of the gospel and of an eternal family. So I am grateful for the examples of generations of pioneers, who serve as examples of faith and trust, and remind us in our moments of fear and uncertainty that there are greater things ahead, if we will just place our trust in our Heavenly Father and in our Savior Jesus Christ.
I thought about that a lot today, as we celebrate the life and history of the pioneers, they were willing to leave absolutely everything they knew and understood to travel across a vast wilderness that was little understood to resettle in a land that nobody seemed to really want. Mountain men who traveled the region bet them they would never be able to grow crops there, the past empire builders had left it largely untouched. But these brave men and women left their homes, their temples, literally everything that would not fit into a wagon or handcart and left. When they arrived they truly transformed a desert, making it bloom. Frequently once settled they would be called to leave their new homes, and go to settle another forsaken and barren region. And they did it.
Often, I feel that we are called to do the same. While we are not asked to settle deserts, or create new towns we are asked to put our trust in the Lord, unfailingly, even when we don't understand or cannot see the end result. We are asked to leave our comfort zones, and trust that the Lord has a plan, and that He will ensure that we are taken care of. In essence, we are asked to "be of good comfort." In some ways I feel that this is the hardest part of the Gospel plan, is to take those steps outwards, and move into the unknown and do so with faith and not fear.
In those times, I love the words of the hymn that "Come, come ye Saints, no toil nor labor fear, but with joy wend your way, though hard to you this journey may appear, grace shall be as your day." Might I share one more story of pioneers that is closer to my home. Many years ago, my mother and her family joined the Church after hearing the lessons taught by the missionaries. It was many years before my grandparents finally were baptized, but in the end my mother and her entire family were sealed together. They too left the things that they had known, and because of their courage I have the blessings of the gospel and of an eternal family. So I am grateful for the examples of generations of pioneers, who serve as examples of faith and trust, and remind us in our moments of fear and uncertainty that there are greater things ahead, if we will just place our trust in our Heavenly Father and in our Savior Jesus Christ.
Tuesday, 12 July 2011
Moving Forward
So, tomorrow morning I start my journey back home to Utah, where I plan on finishing school in December and then who knows what else. To be honest I have very mixed feelings, it will be good to be around my family again, and it will be good to be done with school. On the other hand the past few years have been amazing, and full of wonderful opportunities, and it feels weird realizing that a significant chapter of my life will be ending soon, and that I need to figure out what comes next. In addition, it is hard to leave Scotland, and it will be hard after my internships in DC and Edinburgh to be super excited about going back to a more routine existence in Provo.
But, I guess that is what life is all about, we cannot stay in the same places forever, and life is all about changing. The real question becomes whether we really trust the Lord or not, and whether we believe that He has something better in store for us. Elder Holland has an amazing talk on this, about how Christ has promised us that as we follow Him our paths will be guided and there will be better things ahead, which is pretty awesome. And I think that is the test, is whether in these hard times, the times of uncertainty is whether we will trust Him.
Luckily, experience has taught me that is true. From Jerusalem, to a mission, to DC to Edinburgh, the Lord does have wonderful things in store for us. There is happiness and goodness ahead of us, even if we can't see it.
In short, with rambling, I guess what I am saying is that change is hard, and it should be. We don't want to give up everything from our past, and we shouldn't. There are friendships to strengthen, and memories to cherish. There are lessons to learn, and experiences to help us grow. And I think that is one reason that change is tough, is so that we seek to hold on to the important pieces of the past. But, the trick is to take those lessons and those important things and move forward, and not seek to live in the past. When we do that, then we can trust that there are good things to come.
But, I guess that is what life is all about, we cannot stay in the same places forever, and life is all about changing. The real question becomes whether we really trust the Lord or not, and whether we believe that He has something better in store for us. Elder Holland has an amazing talk on this, about how Christ has promised us that as we follow Him our paths will be guided and there will be better things ahead, which is pretty awesome. And I think that is the test, is whether in these hard times, the times of uncertainty is whether we will trust Him.
Luckily, experience has taught me that is true. From Jerusalem, to a mission, to DC to Edinburgh, the Lord does have wonderful things in store for us. There is happiness and goodness ahead of us, even if we can't see it.
In short, with rambling, I guess what I am saying is that change is hard, and it should be. We don't want to give up everything from our past, and we shouldn't. There are friendships to strengthen, and memories to cherish. There are lessons to learn, and experiences to help us grow. And I think that is one reason that change is tough, is so that we seek to hold on to the important pieces of the past. But, the trick is to take those lessons and those important things and move forward, and not seek to live in the past. When we do that, then we can trust that there are good things to come.
Monday, 11 July 2011
Poland and Other Thoughts
So, this week after my final week of work, which I have loved absolutely and will miss a great deal, I was able to take a few days and visit Krakow Poland. When people asked why, in honesty it was because I wanted to take the opportunity that I had to visit Auschwitz, the most infamous site of the Holocaust.
Auschwitz was perhaps the most sobering and somber place that I have ever visited. The feelings and emotions that are encased in those walls are palpable, real and heartbreaking. This was the site of the deaths of some 1.5 million people, all within a little town called Oswiecism, Poland. The whole time during the visit I pondered on the meaning of what had happened, and continually the question came to mind of how it was possible that men and women could do such horrendous things to other men and women. They would watch them as they froze to death, standing in line for roll calls for no purpose or point. Random beatings, arbitrary executions, and torture. And the most horrifying, the mass murder of millions, who were sent unknowingly to their deaths thinking they instead that they were being sent to showers. It was hard to believe, and impossible to comprehend.
Yet, I know that if I were to return to Poland I would visit again, only to experience the same thoughts and feelings. Why? I don't know if I can truly answer that question, beyond the understanding that ignoring history cannot change it. Instead as we seek to understand history, we can change the world that we are in today, and can shape the future to be a better place.
An example of this was found in something that we did the next day. We visited Schindler's Factory, the enamelware and munitions factory which supplied the German war effort, yet also allowed Oscar Schindler to save the lives of some 1200 Jewish people. He risked his life for that, knowing that in Poland helping Jews was punishable by death. He was not alone, many tried to help the Jewish people risking everything because they knew it was the right thing to do.
I think it was these two sites combined that made such a powerful and life changing impact on my soul. In two days I was witness to both the absolute best and absolute worst that we as human beings can become. In dehumanizing others, the Nazis had become animals whose sole purpose was to gain power and cause sorrow and suffering. On the other hand there are dozens of examples, both in Holocaust stories and elsewhere, of people who will make any sacrifice and pay any price sometimes to help absolute strangers.
Indeed the city of Krakow itself is a vital example that life truly is beautiful. It is a city of vibrant life, with heartwarming beauty. It is a reminder of why we live and love, the story of a city that has seen the worst of human history and yet defies that ugliness, daring us to find joy in the majesty of life. The Kazimierz serves as a beckoning call that the human spirit prevails over pain and tragedy. The town's many Churches climb to the skyline, reaching out to a loving God who will never abandon mankind. In short, I loved this city. From street performers, to an amazing concert in an ancient fort, to the running of the rubber duck I loved this city.
The Churches, including the LDS Church which we visited, amazed me. For decades these people lived under Communist rule, which in many places completely destroyed religion. Yet in Krakow, dozens of peoples filled the Churches, attending masses, taking time from busy lives to remember that Being who gave us life. It was an invaluable reminder to me of the importance of religion. The LDS Church was very small, but the faith that was evident was amazing.
These are my musings regarding my time in Krakow, it was a wonderful trip that truly changed my life. It was also a great opportunity to spend time with a friend, Claire, and to be reminded that life is wonderful.
Auschwitz was perhaps the most sobering and somber place that I have ever visited. The feelings and emotions that are encased in those walls are palpable, real and heartbreaking. This was the site of the deaths of some 1.5 million people, all within a little town called Oswiecism, Poland. The whole time during the visit I pondered on the meaning of what had happened, and continually the question came to mind of how it was possible that men and women could do such horrendous things to other men and women. They would watch them as they froze to death, standing in line for roll calls for no purpose or point. Random beatings, arbitrary executions, and torture. And the most horrifying, the mass murder of millions, who were sent unknowingly to their deaths thinking they instead that they were being sent to showers. It was hard to believe, and impossible to comprehend.
Yet, I know that if I were to return to Poland I would visit again, only to experience the same thoughts and feelings. Why? I don't know if I can truly answer that question, beyond the understanding that ignoring history cannot change it. Instead as we seek to understand history, we can change the world that we are in today, and can shape the future to be a better place.
An example of this was found in something that we did the next day. We visited Schindler's Factory, the enamelware and munitions factory which supplied the German war effort, yet also allowed Oscar Schindler to save the lives of some 1200 Jewish people. He risked his life for that, knowing that in Poland helping Jews was punishable by death. He was not alone, many tried to help the Jewish people risking everything because they knew it was the right thing to do.
I think it was these two sites combined that made such a powerful and life changing impact on my soul. In two days I was witness to both the absolute best and absolute worst that we as human beings can become. In dehumanizing others, the Nazis had become animals whose sole purpose was to gain power and cause sorrow and suffering. On the other hand there are dozens of examples, both in Holocaust stories and elsewhere, of people who will make any sacrifice and pay any price sometimes to help absolute strangers.
Indeed the city of Krakow itself is a vital example that life truly is beautiful. It is a city of vibrant life, with heartwarming beauty. It is a reminder of why we live and love, the story of a city that has seen the worst of human history and yet defies that ugliness, daring us to find joy in the majesty of life. The Kazimierz serves as a beckoning call that the human spirit prevails over pain and tragedy. The town's many Churches climb to the skyline, reaching out to a loving God who will never abandon mankind. In short, I loved this city. From street performers, to an amazing concert in an ancient fort, to the running of the rubber duck I loved this city.
The Churches, including the LDS Church which we visited, amazed me. For decades these people lived under Communist rule, which in many places completely destroyed religion. Yet in Krakow, dozens of peoples filled the Churches, attending masses, taking time from busy lives to remember that Being who gave us life. It was an invaluable reminder to me of the importance of religion. The LDS Church was very small, but the faith that was evident was amazing.
These are my musings regarding my time in Krakow, it was a wonderful trip that truly changed my life. It was also a great opportunity to spend time with a friend, Claire, and to be reminded that life is wonderful.
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