LESSONS OF LIFE

 LESSONS OF LIFE (aka "LOL's!!)

Those who know me well know that I love to sum up life's little bits of wisdom gained and call them LoL's!  You may think of that as "laugh out loud" or "live out loud," but I call them "Lessons of Life."  I will keep adding to this post!  Here are a few beginning thoughts:

1 - A person's name is everything.  I can only learn bits and pieces of the Khmei language, but learning names is something I CAN do.  People respond so brightly when I remember their name and work to pronounce it correctly.  A name is a connection that is personal and says, "I care about you!"

2- Being a "YES" person brings blessings!  Even when it might be easier to make an excuse or politely bow out, trying to say yes whenever possible brings unexpected joys and experiences!  Some of our best times so far have not been convenient (last minute switching of our plans) and definitely took us out of our comfort zone, but they were so worth it!!

3 - Always have a talk or thought ready - formulate an idea on the subject being presented JUST IN CASE asked to contribute! (or prompted to add a comment)  Have "sermons in a sentence" ready to go!  Already have been asked to share testimony and experiences in lessons, speak in Sacrament Meeting two times at the last minute, share in the missionary zoom meeting (found out 10 minutes before!), share thoughts at district council, etc.  This is a good growing area for me since I am a prepare-and-present person (I actually enjoy giving talks!) vs. being spontaneous. I have always dreaded being called on out of the blue in group settings!  

4 - Be a contributor!  What can I add?  How can I support?  Let the spirit guide me to be an instrument of love in this way!!  This is a proactive way of living vs. just passively listening.  This involves being "present" at all times!

5 - There is much good that happens in simply being out and being a "presence."  We are always looked at as foreigners, as respected older people, as missionaries with "the tag" on.  Even without talking, we radiate the light of the gospel!  People are curious.  Seeds are planted in small and simple ways!

6 - Find something to laugh about every day!!  Jim and I are having so much fun together, and not a day goes by that we don't find another new thing to marvel over!  Amazing how people approach daily life living in so many different ways!  Like has been said, "If you're not having fun, then you are doing it wrong!"

7 - Guardian angels really do surround us.  I don't know how to describe how I know it, but I have felt a sense of added support.  "...I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up." (D&C 84:88)