Sometimes I get pointed out publicly in our Sunday congregation. I'll just be sitting there, smiling at the speaker, enjoying what they're saying, and then that person will start talking about me in a very positive way, for the ENTIRE room to hear. This has happened at least 4 times in the past year that I can remember. It is so nice and so embarrassing at the same time. Because, really, I'm not looking for that kind of attention and I'm N-O-T perfect (ask my family). There are more deserving members in the congregation who are humbly, quietly living their religion every day, serving more, and following the Savior more diligently than I am. Those are the people I'm trying to emulate.
This past Sunday I gave a short testimony and then a friend of ours, Bryce Perry, got up and talked about how he and his wife had bumped into me at the DMV and I was a "ray of sunshine," (we all laughed at that). And then he said I was a "billboard for the Church." We all laughed at that, too. Boy, it was embarrassing and kind at the same time, for the reasons I mentioned earlier.
I am grateful for the gospel, though, and for my ward family, a group of imperfect people trying every day to be better, a ward family that supports our little family in all that we do. So I guess I will stop complaining about their kindness and recognition and strive harder to be the person that they think they see. This talk is a great place to start: What Lack I Yet?
If I appear to be a "ray of sunshine," I have the Savior to thank for that. For His Atonement and all that means. It is everything. I have my husband and kids to thank for that--our home is a happy place and I love my place in it, even on stressful, crazy up-and-down days. And I have friends and family to thank for that, people who lift me up, make me smile, and encourage me. Life is good!
