We Intertwine

With homework, tests, financial woes, and countless other personal problems to attend, I easily become a walking, talking to-do list. My pencils are running out of lead, my schedule is running out of lines, and my body is just running out. It's so easy to be consumed by my own busy-ness and withdraw into my own little world. This class helped to change my perspective. I've come to realize our interconnectedness as human beings.

Why do we not acknowlegde each other? I've noticed as I walk to class, I keep my eyes on the ground or the sky or something in the distance... anything other than the people walking all around me. Heaven forbid I make eye contact with a stranger! After reading Star Girl, I made a personal goal to LOOK at people when I pass them, to SMILE. No passing glances. No averting eyes. I wanted to pay attention to these strangers. They assuredly had worries, problems, joys, dreams just like I do. I wanted them to know that I cared. Sometimes a simple acknowledgement can convey this fully. I decided to start small. I would would smile and verbally greet at least 5 strangers a day. Out of 45 days of my experiment, I greeted 5+ strangers only 26 of these days. I didn't realize how difficult it would be. I'm still human. I still have fears. However, it did change me, and I have noticed differences in my personal desire and mindset. When my chatterbox roommate plops down on my bed and interrupts my homework for the hundredth time with some "pressing matter" or just a need to talk, I listen. When a girl in the bathroom is crying, instead of hurrying out of the awkward situation, I ask 'what's wrong?' When a restaurant worker trash bag breaks open, instead of staring in pity, I get my hands dirty, I help him clean. These are all things that I was either too afraid or too selfish to do before. I love that I am changing. That's the whole purpose of this life. I am meant to change. I cannot stay the same person I am today.

This all syncs so beautifully with the gospel. Heavenly Father's work and glory are His children. The Savior, our ultimate example, gave his whole life in the service of others. If I am to be "even as He is," I must also give of myself to service. My life should become other people. I now know why Jesus Christ possesses such a merciful, unconditional love for each of us. It is because He sacrificed for each of us personally, and because He sacrificed, He understands each of us perfectly. Or was He willing to sacrifice for each of us BECAUSE He perfectly understood each of us? I think it's a cycle. As we understand people, we will be willing to serve them, which will increase our love for them. In turn, increased service yeilds increased understanding and love. The only reason I would dislike someone is because I lack understanding.

I hope I can continue to change. I still lack perspective and patience, but I've gained vision. "By small and simple things are great things brough to pass" (Alma 37:6). We can "change the world" in the small corner of it that we are allotted. We are small, but we are not insignificant.

Nan White