As I reflect upon the spiritual thoughts I have had in classes this semester, and the unique parallels to the gospel that have been noted, I think it would be helpful to quote from a reflection I wrote for my job as a freshman mentor at BYU.
“I think that really the breakthrough for me this semester was recognizing the parts of my life in which I was stuck in a fixed mindset. Studying the animation program with my other job, the readings I have had with this job, as well as taking on a mentorship role, has taught me to just not worry so much about what I don't know or can't do. Instead I have tried to begin to focus on what I can do, and what I can learn with the time I have. I have always wanted to learn how to use Photoshop, and make cool stuff on the computer. For one reason or another (my own pride/fear?) I never tried. This semester I took 2 hours a week and dedicated it towards learning Photoshop and other new skills. Though I have yet to learn much more, it has been extremely satisfying to go in and develop new skills that I had shied away from earlier. I think it is cause I feared embarrassment, or "looking dumb" when needing to ask for help. As I moved forward though, with a positive drive to just learn the stuff regardless of anybody's opinion, the experience was fine and dandy. This personal growth can be seen in my experience as a mentor and in the HUB.
Every field and every position has been started because someone had to do something that hadn't been done before. I have learned to not be afraid to be that person. This has given me more confidence and desire to be more proactive with my experiences and education. I have heard it all my life, but really the only thing limiting man, is himself. This concept is so liberating to me, because rather than worrying or focusing on what I can or can't do I am trying to determine what I want to do. It is fascinating to think what students could accomplish if this was their main way of thinking. I know that my thoughts have been greatly limited in the past because of what I thought was acceptable, or "the right way to do things." This semester I feel I have really begun to see that there isn't really any "right way" other than living in the present by keeping the spirit with you.
This concept of living in the present and maintaining the spirit is one I am starting to see more of and believe in strongly. If I have the spirit, then my decisions will be informed by an eternal perspective. If I have the spirit, I will focus on what matters most, prioritize my time effectively, and have more enlightening/meaningful relationship and experiences with other people. If I have the spirit then yesterday's mistakes and the decisions of tomorrow are a part of me, but do not define me and my current state of happiness. If I have the spirit then I am more concerned with people instead of things, godly thoughts rather than desires for the treasures of heaven, and having charity for others including my God. If I have the spirit then gratitude is a regular feature of my character and integrity is the framework of my personality.”
These insights I have had this semester are very important for research and evaluation. I have come to see that to see the clearest truth is by the spirit, like Brother Riddle wrote about. The spirit has the power to help us ask the best research questions, to see things in the data that may have gone unnoticed, and to be the ultimate power of evaluation assistance for both the project I am engaged in but also my own personal development. Indeed the impact of what I have learned about the role of the Holy Ghost in my work and personal life is great, and I am grateful for that.
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