Sunday, November 16, 2008

Sunday thoughts

I taught the lesson in YW today on Being Dependable.

I told them about Jill, who decided long ago that she would be dependable. She goes to great lengths at times to avoid being flaky, shirking her duties, or leaving others in a lurch. And because it is so easy at times to want to make excuses instead of doing what is expected/required of us, I think you almost do have to make a decision like that, to decide what kind of person you are going to be.

We talked about people who are dependable in our lives, and how we know we can depend on them.

We discussed the consequences of not being dependable, and that having integrity is closely related to being dependable.

I testified that we can always rely on the Lord, and that He will help us in all of our responsibilities if we look to Him.

And then I found this quote from President Monson in the November Ensign (Priesthood session of Conference):

"If great joy is the reward of saving one soul, then how terrible must be the remorse of those whose timid efforts have allowed a child of God to go unwarned or unaided so that he has to wait till a dependable servant of God comes along."

Wow.
That shook me.

I really don't want to be that person that allows others to go unaided. Especially to those who are depending on me most of all.

17 comments:

crystal said...

I think you must be a VERY good teacher.

I got released today. Sniff.

April said...

I would love to just show up one Sunday for one of your lessons. I get so much out of the recaps, imagine what the real thing would be like!

Marie said...

I loved this lesson. I felt like shouting AMEN!

emily said...

This sounds like such a good lesson. Dependability is something I need to work on, and this is a good reminder that I shouldn't put off improving my dependability. I feel so horrible and mad at myself when I let other people down. I want to be like Jill, and just decide to be more dependable. Thanks!

Jill said...

Thanks for the great compliment, I appreciate it and need it. The problem with being compulsively dependable is that then if I ever don't do something I think I should do I'm burdened with guilt about it (even if it's something no one else is really expecting me to do). Ugh.

That quote is definitely a call to action and great reminder, though daunting for sure.

charlotte said...

What an insight--that's definitely enough to get me off my bum and get going on serving!

Neighbor Jane Payne said...

Youch. That is a pointed reminder. Thank you.

patsy said...

GReat lesson topic! For all of us... I bet the girls just love you to pieces :)

TX Girl said...

wow- that quote freaks me out.

Susan said...

I also would like to attend your classes!

Additionally,I admire and thank Jill for being this person of dependability. I see often that you are the recepient of such action. Thanks, Jill.

denise @ little ant design said...

Thanks for sharing that quote. It is a good reminder to us all to become a person that others and Heavenly Father can depend on - I'm writing it down.

Anonymous said...

That is a powerful quote! Jill is the perfect example of dependability.

Amie said...

Jill is a good example of dependability. I go back and forth... I definitely don't want to be flaky but there are times when I just can't... I know there is no excuse for that attitude.

Amy said...

I'm teaching this one next week, so I hugely appreciate your insights. How lucky am I? Almost as lucky as your young women, I imagine.

rmt said...

Wow is right. That quote is very powerful, indeed.

I agree that Jill is the model of dependability!

Denise said...

What a great quote from President Monson. I really want to be a dependable servant, not a lame one.

carlo said...

i would love to "be a fly on the wall" when i hear about these amazing classes you all attend and teach. i love to hear about them

and to use jill was brillant.

i hate to let people down. in any way so i do try to be dependable.

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