10OCT2014

     Today we celebrated my daughter's 4th birthday at Kelly Park on Fort Bliss in El Paso, TX. Before guests arrived and while Denise was finishing setting up for the party, I was playing with Adaliyne and Luke on the playground. A couple approached with their son, who I later found out is autistic, has ADHD, as well as Turner's Syndrome.
     Being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints encourages me to reach out to everyone and share the blessings of the Restored Gospel. I focused on not judging them (an area I have a weakness in) and on loving them instead. I attempted to suppress my pride and ego and picture the worth of this little family. I had the impression that they were good people and that, in time, they would likely accept some, if not all, of the fullness of the Gospel.
     I often wonder how who we were in the Pre-earth life impacts the circumstances and opportunities we are born into, including our inclination to follow and discern light and truth. I have been taught that Heavenly Father loves all of His children and is no respecter of persons.
     I found resistance in approaching anything that could be construed as "preachy", so I simply tried to befriend them and be sincere about my own weaknesses. This approach felt better. I am grateful that Elder Bednar, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, has taught us to be authentic.
     I focused my efforts on making the couple, Shannon and Jake, and their little son named Ryne, feel welcome and a part of the fun. Among all the people at the party, only one other person even said so much as "boo" to them. I was disheartened by this since nearly everyone else was a member of the Restored Church.
     I feel like God may have given me a gift and a purpose relating to the experience I had today. I do not know the extent, nor the impact such a gift may have had on others during my 30 years of life, nor do I know what my future could hold. I have been praying to learn more about my potential to serve God and my fellow man in this life and in the eternities.