Pearls

There was a story once of an old pearl farmer, who came into possession of the most amazing pearl. It was of great value and would undoubtedly  be something that many people would marvel at.

Knowing this, he contacted a box maker and instructed him to make a box that would be worthy to hold something of such beauty.

The box maker worked day and night and eventually crafted a box that he felt was worthy. The box was made from solid oak and had a rich color to it, and was studded with diamonds along the outside. Inside, it was lined with the most expensive silk, with every detail down to hinges which opened the box being perfectly aligned.

When it came time for the gala to present and show the pearl, the proud pearl farmer placed the pearl into the box, and carefully into the show glass.

As people filled through, the farmer would stand proudly to the side and try to hear a bit of what the onlookers thought of his amazing find.

Unfortunately for him, those who were observing the pearl, seemed to be so much more amazed by the box rather than the pearl itself. They would make comments about how well crafted and designed it was, and how beautifully it stood out from any other boxes, even when the pearl was what it was there to display.

Many times in this world, there are things of great value and importance that surround us. Many of which are "beautiful" and "well crafted" and all-in-all, good things to pay attention to! But how many of us notice the "pearls"? The reasons those "boxes" are there?

In this life, God has blessed us with many great things. But none of it would be possible or even matter if it were not for the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Only through him, can we find true happiness, and a remission of the guilt and sins which we bear! He is the true "pearl" of eternity

(Credit to Elder Neil L. Anderson who gave a similar address/analogy in a stake president/bishops training in August 2012) 

Hard by the yard

Football is a game of inches they say. High school football was something that when I was growing up, it wasn't a sport: It was a religion. 

Parkview Panther Stadium "The Big Orange Jungle"

Down south, with classification going up to 6-A and having tradition as deep rooted as the oak trees, it becomes something more than just football when the Friday night lights start shinning. 

I remember my senior year of high school, my team was playing our annual rivalry game against our most hated rival. It was the start of the 4th quarter, and we needed 2 scores just to tie up the game. We started with the ball on the 5 yard line, 95 yards away from the end zone. I remember the whole crowd having the feeling of "How in the world are we going to make it all that distance?" 

Sometimes we are faced with situations like this. Where we look down the field and all we can see is what seems like an unattainable feat in front of us. But, we need to remember, that things aren't always gonna come at once. 

I remember my friend turning to me before play resumed, and telling me "Hey, let's just see if we can get the first down. Then we'll see from there" 

Sure enough, we got 10 yards and a first down. Then he turned and said the same thing "Let's just make sure we get the next first down"

As the ball moved down the field, all the focus was was just to make sure we got the first down. Before we knew it, it was 1st down at the 5 yard line, only this time, headed towards our own end zone. We got the score, and eventually ended up winning the game

"Life is hard by the yard, but a cinch by the inch" - Thomas S. Monson 

Let us always remember this phrase! When faced with a trial or with any situation, let us remember to focus on the small things, and how to start, instead of feeling overwhelmed, like we need to have everything happen all at once. See the light at the end of the tunnel and never stop moving towards it. Take things inch by inch, and before you know it, you will have reached the end zone.