Tag Archive for: Think Celestial

Be

Put your mobile down.
Set your tablet or laptop aside.
Turn the television off.
Put down your book.
Are you paying attention?
Just be here.

𝐁𝐞.

In a world filled with distractions it can be easy to get side-tracked and lose focus on the person or people that matter most of all.
In a recent coaching interview, one missionary asked me a question something like this…
“President, how can I improve my communication skills?”
Reflecting for a moment, as I observed the missionary and made eye contact, I asked a question that focused on being present and the unspoken dialogue I observed before me.
I asked, “Look at me and tell me what you observe?”
Hesitating the missionary responded… “I see you!”
“What else do you see?” I asked.
“You’re sitting comfortably”.
“Yes, I am sitting comfortably, but what else?” I said.
There were a few more interactions.
However, unable to see what I was driving at; I described my body language.
Then the missionary understood that I’d been delicately mirroring or matching the gesture’s, expressions, tone of voice and seating posture throughout our conversation.
What was I really saying?
I was indicating… “I am curious about you and making an effort to understand you.”
I had slowed down.
It was a moment of true bewilderment, to watch the reaction unfold.
Observing and listening, along with things we speak, are equally critical parts of communicating, that show you care.
“We must develop the capacity to see [others] not as they are at present but as they may become.” – Thomas S. Monson.
True disciples of Jesus Christ seek to follow His example in the ways they communicate.
I love this scripture from Ephesians 4:29 …“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”
If you want to develop Christlike communication, then speak with a missionary today.

At the Front Door

10 seconds into your car journey, you get that sneaky feeling…
You recognise the whispering thought, before it was too late!
Did I forget anything?
Did I remember to close the windows at home?
Did I turn the lights off?
Is the door locked?
Is my passport in my bag?
Do I have my house key?
You turn around just to make sure, only to discover that you have everything after all!
Relief, happiness and joy fill your heart having endured a few challenges and moments of doubt.
It wasn’t too late, to make sure and be certain.
Fast forward, to that event, that all of us will face one day.

At Death’s Door

Many years into life’s journey, you get that sneaky feeling…
You recognise the whispering thought, before it was too late!
Did I forget anything?
Did I remember to open the windows of heaven?
Did I turn those spiritual lights on?
Have I unlocked my heart to the enticings of the holy ghost?
Sacred covenants – did I make, keep and honour them?
Is my temple recommend current?
You reflect back just to make sure, only to discover that keeping covenants means you have everything after all.
Relief, happiness and joy fill your heart, having endured many challenges, by staying firmly on the covenant path.
It wasn’t too late, to make sure and be certain.
Our covenants with God did not start here and will not finish here – they are eternal in nature.
Making and keeping covenants are the key to eternal life, just ask a missionary – they can help.

Heaven’s View

They came.
One by one.
Hesitating for a moment.
Apprehensive.
Nervous.
Suddenly, it was time.
The departing interview.
How could it be?
Instantly, in the blink of an eye, 18/24 months had passed by.
Genially, I invite them into the office, “come into my den of tears!”
A prayer is offered.
We reflect upon times past.
We talk about the present moment.
And we consider the future.
From our first to final interviews – everyone changes.
They’d submitted and given their “heart and soul” to the Lord.
They’d grown wiser and matured.
Sometimes, I shared a scripture.
“Treasure these things up in your hearts and let the solemnities of eternity rest upon your minds” (D&C 43:34).
Implying that we forgo having other things “rest upon our minds” by putting the things of God at the forefront of what we think about, as they’d been doing daily.
Life looks much different from the 𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘𝒑𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒗𝒆𝒏 and eternity.
Each realise that they cannot handle life without help, particularly 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐧’𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩.
We ponder about the eternities.
Treasuring up those eternal truths in our hearts.
Our understanding of our position as children of God changes everything!
Consider the Apostle Paul, in Colossians 3.
“When you make choices, I invite you to take the long view—an eternal view. Put Jesus Christ first because your eternal life is dependent upon your faith in Him and in His Atonement.” – President Russell M. Nelson.
A Priesthood blessing is given.
Words are spoken, insights are given, feelings are touched, and tears of joy are often shed.
A loving embrace brings our time to a close.
Closing one chapter, a new adventure is set to begin.
With a new perspective they move forward taking 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐧’𝐬 𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰.
How can taking 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒗𝒆𝒏’𝒔 𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 change your perspective?