get real

"I have learned that a key to becoming real in every aspect of our lives is our ability to teach in a way that does not restrict learning. You see, a real life requires real learning, which depends on real teaching. “The responsibility to teach [effectively] is not limited to those who have formal callings as teachers.” In fact, every family member, Church leader, and Church member (including the youth and children) has a responsibility to teach.

Those who teach after the manner of the Spirit understand they teach people, not lessons...The Holy Ghost teaches by inviting, prompting, encouraging, and inspiring us to act. Christ assured us that we come to the truth when we live doctrine and act accordingly.

With the current conditions of the world, we desperately need real learning and teaching in our homes, meetings, and gospel classes. I know that your quest to improve may seem overwhelming at times. Please do not become discouraged with your progress...every time we stop to catch our breath, rather than focusing exclusively on how much farther we needed to go, we would immediately turn around and look down the mountain...take in the scenery and say...Look how far we’ve come...take a deep breath, quickly turn, face uphill, and start climbing again one step at a time. Brothers and sisters, you can parent, lead, and teach after the manner of the workings of the Spirit. I know you can do this. I testify you can do this, and lives will change."

I enjoyed this talk so much, because he echos what I've been trying to achieve since my baptism 35 years ago on March 26, 1977. I want to be a REAL witness of Jesus Christ, a real wife, a real mother, a real grandmother, a real student, and a real teacher. To me this means keep moving forward with the guidance of the Holy Ghost no matter how steep the climb. Nobody can move backward if they are moving forward. Joseph calls it the speed of moving slow, which idea has made all the difference in the world. Even if I'm having a bad day, I can work and write in bed, send a card of love and encouragement, or smile.