Engage!

As I deliberately work on reaching my potential, part of that comes from being involved.  A couple interesting points from the Book Way to Be . . .  President Hinley specifically said to be involved in good works.  to work hard and do good things.

It is work that spells the difference in the life of a young man or young woman.  It is usually work and effort that explain the difference between the gold-metal athlete and those who finish even a fraction of a second later. 

It is work that gives us a feeling of accomplishment. And it is work that allows us to feel that we are making a difference in the world.

The idea of having an active mind not only physically, but both mentally and emotionally has made me evaluate what I do with my time, how I spend it. To look at what I am actually involved in. I've been trying to work at getting done what I need to get done, but then instead of shutting down in front of the TV or computer, I've been trying to read, or draw, or play games with the kids. Acting on impressions to visit a neighbor, or going with Dennis to visit someone in the ward.  Being involved in good works.

13th Article of Faith "We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men.  Indeed we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul.  We believe all things, we hope all things and hope to be able to endure all things.  If there is anything, virtuous, lovely or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

Not only does this article spell out things we should be. . honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, but it also spells out things to be involved in. Things that are virtuous, lovely or of good report or praiseworthy. It's the standard to being involved in good works. And in all your doings have HOPE!

I thought this clip from The Incredibles was great!!

"Bob, it's time to engage!" 

There are times when its not easy to engage! It's so much easier to tune everything out and do my own thing. I need to turn my chair around, look them in the eye and give them my full attention.  Sometimes, it's about putting down what I'm doing and think about someone else's needs instead of my own. It's about not finding reasons why I shouldn't do something, (excuses!) but to say "I will". It about making time to visit others. So to sum it all up, being involved means to engage, to participate, to consider others needs above my own, to quit finding excuses and say "I Will".