Past LDS President Spencer W. Kimball taught: “Jesus saw sin as wrong but also was able to see sin as springing from deep and unmet needs on the part of the sinner.” He then counseled that if we hope to change our own habits or help someone else change theirs, we must “look deeply enough . . . to see the basic causes for . . . failures and shortcomings” (Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, ed. Edward L. Kimball [1982], 481–82).
On this thankful day, I have turned my heart to gratitude. The exercise allowed me to discover that I can see the failings of others (and myself) as symptoms of deeper unmet needs. Seeing thus, I am compelled to sympathy and love, rather judgement and unkindness. LDS Elder Russell M. Nelson counsels us to be patient with ourselves and others--not to demand things that are unreasonable, demand improvement (watch it here).
What a beautiful way to see humanity.
Happy thanks day!
My "Thanks" burlap banner drying on chairs:
Not quite dry turkey (stolen from google.com's image):
I love your banner! And I'm seeing all the cute crafties you've done with the girls in the background. You're such a good mom!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this Alissa. I've been thinking about it all morning today.
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