19 March 2012

Rules

Stake conference this weekend was magnificent. A real treat. Stories were uncovered at great personal expense to reveal the lightness that comes from peace and hope. This future was connected to the Gospel of Christ time and time again, without need of coercion or force. Out of it all I received a poem and a law.

The poem is one I've wanted to write for over a year now.  The last two lines are not what I want though, so I'll post it someday later.

The law was...well...plagiarized.
We have the famed Golden Rule: do unto others as you would have them do unto you. (A great way to live and learn. It helps you put yourself in others' shoes)
The lesser law is the Silver Rule: do unto others as others do unto you. (At least you come out even)
The Copper Rule: do unto others as you feel they deserve. (You do not want to be the judge of what someone deserves. You do not want that responsibility. It will break you)
And the Platinum Rule (which is really what started everything else): do unto others as you want God to do unto you.

17 March 2012

Compliments

I have never been very good at accepting praise.  It really bothers my parents.  I imagine it might bother the Lord too.  I do not recognize my part in great things because I see myself as replaceable.  Anyone else could do what I do and probably much better.  But occasionally I receive a compliment so heartfelt, undeserving, and spontaneous, a compliment relying upon no situation or stimulus but only a pure desire for some to appreciate me, that I am floored.

A few months ago, I was talking with my roommate and he just exclaimed that he appreciated how much I enjoy life.  He went on to explain how he loved that even if I do not understand a topic I am willing to talk about it.  And more than talk about, I am excited to talk about it.  He expressed that he feels if I understand a subject then I am excited to discuss it and if I do not know much or anything about a subject then I seem pleased to be taught.  He thanked me for asking good questions and showing interest in him.  I had never thought of myself that way.

Today, a lovely young lady (who is engaged to a different roommate) told me that she had always wanted to go on a date with me.  This was immediately after I had asked her to attend a show with me (at which her fiancee is working).  I smiled.  Inside too.

A companion from my mission told me that he loves seeing me on campus because it always makes him smile.  It was just a random message on facebook with no obvious reason.

A girl I dance with expressing thanks for having me as a partner this semester.

A long-lost friend posting a message on my blog.

A note on my door from a friend in my ward saying thanks.

Nothing big.  Nothing fancy.  Just true gratitude for me.  It is strangely humbling.
What is the greatest compliment you have received?  Who will you thank next?