The lesson today for Sunday School was about friendship. We reviewed over the story about Saul, David, and Jonathan and what made their relationships the way they were. It hit me last night as I was reading in John 15 when the Savior explains that there is no greater love then laying ones life down for their friends. We don't do that, especially like He did. However I thought about how I can lay down the life of pride and natural disposition to do ill by living the Gospel pattern of living. This charitable approach is the core of friendship I think, thus the Lord says we are his friends - if we do as He says. By following His commandments we are enabling His sacrifice to lift us up to higher planes. It is interesting to think of it in that way.
Today I went to visit one of my mission companions and his uncle. His uncle wrote "Forever Strong" and knows many folks in the LDS film industry. We sat down and had a good long talk. He was very realistic and straight forward about his life up till this point and I appreciated his frankness concerning how hard it is to be a worthy member of the Church and feel accomplished as a filmmaker. I have always understood the hardness of the situation but it meant more coming from him. I know that I could carve something out of the industry if I really wanted to - but in light of the above paragraph perhaps I should think less of what awards I could win and credits I can obtain but more so about what I can do for my family and those around me. I am striving to understand those great questions of the soul like "what should I be when I grow up?" Certainly the idea of being a zoo keeper not enchanting anymore and my drive to be a taxi driver as dissipated. But that is what it is all about I think, working out our salvation (and many many other things like careers and relationships) with fear and trembling before the Lord. This man I talked to mentioned that maybe too often we expect the Lord to open all the doors when in reality He wants us to work it out.
I am loving watching you work it out G! You're doing it with class and in the right way as far as I can tell. What is the picture of?
ReplyDeleteI fixed it - it is a video, though when I posted it I think it was a picture. I showed this to the SS school class and this sort of motivated some of those thoughts. The footage in the video is from the "Passion of the Christ"
ReplyDeleteHey G, I'm finally catching up on the WW and found your link! WHat great thoughts from a thoughtful, good young man. It's neat to hear what you are working through. It's a lifelong process to do what the Lord really wants us to. We are excited to see you all this weekend.
ReplyDeleteGray--thanks for sharing your process. The Atonement and the life of the Savior seem to be never-ending wells of wisdom for us. Thanks for your beautiful thoughts!
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