Loving Those Around Us

So I just got back from Girls Camp and I absolutely love it!!! It is always such a fulfilling experience. Testimony meeting is my favorite night out of the entire time because even if its stake camp I get to become so much more connected with the girls in my ward and we get to strengthen one another in the gospel (and cry our eyes out all at the same time)!! Its great!

Also, when I got home, I had my dance rehearsal and then yesterday I got to perform it. IT WAS SO AWESOME!!!!! I am so glad I chose to be apart of that and to dance my heart out!! It was good to know that all of my hard work was paying off every time the audience would clap. I realized that I could have chosen to stay at home and do nothing all the time, but the things I have learned with Sister Duff as my teacher has strengthened my testimony because she doesn't just teach dance: she teaches the gospel, and life skills, and love. That is why I love it so much.

Today in church we watched a movie during the lesson called "The Cipher in the Snow". It was kind of depressing... Some kids were waiting to get on the bus, and one of the boys was obviously an outcast. During the ride to school he asked to get off and right when his feet touch the ground, he falls down dead. They show what is going on at the school and one of his teachers is assigned to write an obituary for him, but no one knows anything about him or who he is. The teacher does some research and finds that the boy was neglected and treated poorly for most of his life, and none of the people around him really cared or bothered to find out what was wrong or take the time to get to know him. This lack of friendship led to his death because of his lonesomeness. I thought that was interesting... This poor kid!!! Not one person, except perhaps his mother, even talked to him or acknowledged his existence. What a tragic life he must have led... no woder he died of a broken heart.

This story reminded me of how I have tried to help others and make sure they are not left out. I know how it feels to be ignored or treated poorly and I don't wish that upon anyone. One thing I do, is if I see someone sitting alone on the bus, I sit by them and begin talking to them. I already have two friends from doing that!! It's awesome!! Lets all try to show compassion to those who are rejected, do our best to love them, and "...comfort those that stand in need of comfort..."