A Child of God

There is nothing better than a good, heart-warming enlightening talk given by the leaders of my Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Oh wait! Let's rephrase that. There is nothing better than a good, heart-warming talk that is exactly what I needed to hear at this time in my life, a time that is...well...Pivotal, Crazy, Exciting, Terrifying, Illuminating, Fascinating, Incredible, New, and Strange...Just to name a few...scattered...adjectives.

I truly have been striving, dreaming and working towards coming to Brigham Young University my entire life. Now that i'm finally here - now that I can check actually getting here (and what a journey that was!) off my To-Do list - i've only discovered that there is so much more out there that I need to learn!
President Eyring's talk addresses this perfectly, and so much more. His words are a perfect reminder that here at BYU, and to me personally, spirituality and the pursuit of knowledge and education are significantly connected.

I'm afraid that what I say will not give this talk justice. So, if you would like to read it (I HIGHLY recommend it!) i'll post the link. :)

http://speeches.byu.edu/reader/reader.php?id=2940

There were several things that I thought to be incredible about this talk, but some things that stood out to me were:

1. HUMILITY is the doorway to educational excellence, for it leads one to having the characteristics that lead to excellence in learning. For example, President Eyring said that those who are humble seek correction! I definitely want to improve in that area. I need to remember that: Humility = Power to Learn = Power to Serve = Power to rise up to privaleges God wants to grant us.

2. The great learner expects resistance, and overcomes it. In all actuality, it's a scary concept, expecting resistance. I think it's easy to search for that easier path, one that will be, well, a breeze. I hope though, that when i'm encountered by a challenge, that i'll match it head on, determined to overcome, and not be overcome.

3. Remember the Savior and his Atonement. No problem is too hard for us with his help. No price is too great to pay for what he offers us. Having this knowledge is vital to my education. The Atonement, as President Eyring said "produces a beautiful and powerful blend of courage and meekness," I hope I can go forth with this knowledge, along with the knowledge that I am a Child of God. If I trust in Him, he will not lead me astray.

"You are under mandate to pursue--not just while you are here, but throughout your lives--educational excellence."

Or in other words...

I, Rachel Bennett am under mandate to pursue--throughout my life--educational excellence.

Phew. That's a lot to take in. I hope I'm up to the challenge.