Stand Out Saturday: Work

I thought of sharing this picture as part of the Saturday School post, but thought it might have detracted from the wonderful quotes.  But either way, I think it is important to highlight that we each have been given different talents--I for one would never have thought of decorating a side of a building in this manner, but someone was creative and motivated enough to decide to use their talents and Stand Out!

These pictures come from a mission that I served for my church.  I was quite impressed with someone’s very unusual way of drawing attention to an otherwise bland area.  I wondered if it was to draw more attention to the business the, um, people were so eager to put their head through a wall to see, or if it was completely unrelated and just someone desiring to bring a little spontaneity to the lives of those going by.  Whatever the reason, what talent!

And so, we all have our own gifts and abilities.  Some of these gifts and talents come a little more naturally and quickly than others, while others take lots of learning and work to develop.  Some gifts and abilities are very visible (noticeable by others), others are more subtle (not so noticeable).  I am a strong believer that we should develop our talents and use them for good. Even the ones that don’t come easily to us or that aren’t as visible.  We ourselves will be blessed, but also others can be blessed through us developing and using our talents for uplifting and praiseworthy efforts.

Some great quotes from Gordon B. Hinckley about working to develop ourselves and our skills/talents, as found here:

“There is no substitute under the heavens for productive labor. It is the process by which dreams become realities. It is the process by which idle visions become dynamic achievements.

“Most of us are inherently lazy. We would rather play than work. We would rather loaf than work. A little play and a little loafing are good. But it is work that spells the difference in the life of a man or woman. It is stretching our minds and utilizing the skills of our hands that lift us from mediocrity. It is work that provides the food we eat, the clothing we wear, the homes in which we live. We cannot deny the need for work with skilled hands and educated minds if we are to grow and prosper individually and if our nation is to stand tall before the world (from Ensign, Aug. 1992, 4).”

“The best antidote I know for worry is work. The best medicine for despair is service. The best cure for weariness is the challenge of helping someone who is even more tired.

“To you wonderful young men and women I send a charge to reach beyond the routine of your daily work to serve in the Church, in the community, in the society of which you are a part. Though your talents be meager, polish them. Increase your skills, extend your love to help those who need your lifting hand (from Ensign, June 1989, 74).

“I believe that I am a child of God, endowed with a divine birthright. I believe that there is something of divinity within me and within each of you. I believe that we have a godly inheritance and that it is our responsibility, our obligation, and our opportunity to cultivate and nurture the very best of these qualities within us.

“Though my work may be menial, though my contribution may be small, I can perform it with dignity and offer it with unselfishness. My talents may not be great, but I can use them to bless the lives of others. I can be one who does his work with pride in that which comes from hand and mind. I can be one who works with respect for my associates, for their opinions, for their beliefs, with appreciation for their problems and with a desire to help them should they stumble. I believe in the principle that I can make a difference in this world. It may be ever so small. But it will count for the greater good (from Ensign, Aug. 1992, 7).