You. Are. Loved. These three words can honestly change someone’s life. Think about it, when’s the last time you told someone you truly loved them and cared about them, or at least told someone how much you sincerely appreciate what they do, whether that is for you or someone else.
It’s the simplest little thing but yet we often forget the power behind our words. One person is all it takes to show you how much you truly mean to others, it takes one person to show you the purpose your life has, it takes one person to point out the amazing and unique gifts and talents you possess.
I had a unique experience this week, and I won’t go in depth with it but I was really moved by this experience because it showed me the amount of impact someone can make on someone else’s life.
We met with someone who has been facing an immense amount trials that you couldn’t even imagine. As we listened to this person for about an hour they asked us a question, “why did you come here tonight?” We paused for a few seconds and I looked at this person and responded, “…we came because we felt a prompting from the Lord that we needed to see you. And I KNOW He sent us here as an answer to your prayers, to show you that He hears you, and that you have people who love you and care about you.”
They began to cry. That was all they wanted, was for someone to tell them that they are loved. We helped them see that their life has meaning, and that helped me realize me that not a whole lot of people know that.
Life isn’t easy, it’s filled with trials, and sometimes those trials can be overbearing, but it’s something we can learn from. Going back to the story of this person we met with. It didn’t take some elegant all inspired pep talk to help them, all it took was a simple testimony to show someone that they have meaning.
Sometimes all we can do is be someone who is willing to listen and to show that they care. We all want to be loved and appreciated in life, it’s part of our nature. My heart broke for them, all I could think about was how much I wish they understood about the love their Father in Heaven has for them and I wished I could help them see the amount of meaning their life has.
We were sent to the earth to do amazing things! We were all placed here during these times because our Father in Heaven knew of the strength we all have. Our trials are unique to us because we all have unique talents and personalities to handle them.
There is nothing more that I want in life than to help someone realize that YOU ARE LOVED! And that your life HAS MEANING! I can only testify to you that life gets better. Being on the other end of this and seeing someone who literally feels like they have hit rock bottom in life I know that it’s hard. I know it’s something that drains you of all your hope and faith and it’s very very difficult to move forward, but day by day, breath by breath, you will see that because you are still alive, because you chose to get out of bed that day, that the Lord has a purpose for you.
There is a purpose for your life each and everyday, you have gifts no one else has and you have a heart that no one else can give, because you are worth everything in the sight of God. He willingly GAVE his only begotten son to sacrifice HIS life, through blood shed, tears, and death, for YOU. That’s how special you are.
I hope each and everyone of you realizes that, and I hope if you see someone who struggles to realize that that you can reach out to them and let them know you’re their, be that person for them to help them see that THEY. ARE. LOVED.
I hope you have a wonderful week, stay blessed, I love you!
Love,
Elder Summers
March 20, 2018
Elder Summers!
What a beautiful message and tender experience! You are so right. Everyone has an innate desire to know they matter and that they are loved. What a blessing you are to the people in Georgia!
I know you wrote this a while ago. I am catching up and enjoying your e-mails in the blog!
I am sorry for being so lame and not writing. A pretty big weakness I continue to work on! 🙁 I ask about you and how you are doing whenever i see your family. They are so proud of you! I am also so pleased with your decision to serve. It is so wonderful as a teacher to watch your students from a distance in all the important milestones in their lives. Its so cool that you are now the ultimate full-time gospel teacher with all this time practicing and really showing people they are valued and loved like the Savior did.
Speaking of teaching, After last year I was released from teaching Seminary. Some thought it was because I had to care for my Mom who was dying of cancer. But not the case! I took a little time off, but was raring to go once school started again, especially since this year was Book of Mormon. 🙂 I was excited to study and learn with everyone.
Life is just never how you expect however. The Relief Society President and her family had to move fairly quickly when a job opportunity came up. So, I always preach that Heavenly Father knows what he is doing, even if we don’t understand the whys of it all. So now I am being given the opportunity to practice what I preach as the Relief Society President. haha
Kendall got married last June and she and Phil live and work in Salt Lake. They both graduated from BYU-I last summer as well. J.T. Graduated from NAU last May and now works in Tucson foe a large Missle systems company. He thinks that pretty cool. haha So do we actually! Price is plugging away at CGCC, getting his associates soon. Then we hope he will transfer to BYU-I. We love that place!!!
Bro.Barrett and I are all alone in the house now and are getting it ready to sell. Too Big!! We are sticking around in the neighborhood however, and look forward to our new adventure.
I am so grateful for you and your journry in the gospel. Thank you as one of my first year students , for being so patient with me as I learned ever so slowly how to teach you all in Seminary. I was scared everyday, and yet I realized I could just work scared if needed. It got less scary through the years, just because every day when I messed up and felt I could done better to help you all recognize the spirit, I would always say, “Thank goodness I have tomorrow to try again!” Lots of tomorrows helped! Still have lots to learn. The coolest thing for me was when I was preparing lessons, I would get thoughts on how to teach a principle or doctrine. Thoughts that felt like they weren’t mine. I even envisioned at times how the class would be structured and how students would respond. It was super cool to feel like I was working hand in hand for Heavenly Father in order to help them learn about him and the Savior. I envision that you have had similar experiences as you have served so diligently. Such a cool gift I hope I don’t forget.
Thank you for serving Dakota! I know it is a difficult life and I also know those difficulties will bless you forever!
I love you, my Seminary son! You are a light on a hill for all! Keep up the great work and I will see you soon!!
Love, Sister Barrett
March 20, 2018
Sorry for the typos! I am sometimes too distracted to proof read. Another weakness! haha
April 2, 2018
I forwarded this to Elder Summers to see and here is his response:
Sister Barrett’s response couldn’t have been more perfect, on Thursday we went and helped teach the seminary class. We found out the night before what we were suppose to talk about so there was no preparation on our part but when we got in the classroom it brought a flood of memories back. But when we talked the Spirit purely directed it and it was amazing to see the youth feel the similar Spirit. What was cool was that on the way to the building I had the impression that there was someone there that is struggling to decide on if they should go on a mission. Well after class a young woman came up to me after class and was asking questions about finding self worth and spiritual strengths, (things I mentioned when I spoke in the lesson) and at the end she told me she was trying to decide on when/if she should go on a mission. So it was really cool to see the fulfillment of a spiritual promoting! Just a cool little story for ya, and you can tell sister Barrett I said thank you so much for being an amazing teacher and friend!
Love,
Elder Summers