Look Up

"A challenge for all of us is not to look sideways to see how others are viewing our lives but to look up to see how Heavenly Father sees us." -- Elder Carl B. Cook

Elder Cook talks about his beginning struggles of the MTC with learning the language for his mission is Germany; he mentions how he would compare his progress with his companion and the other elder's in his district. And then he tells of the prayer and answer that has effected him to this day.

"I slipped into that tiny room and knelt down on a mop. I began to plead with Heavenly Father for some relief. The Lord answered that prayer. I felt this thought come into my mind: “I never called you to master the German language. I just called you to serve with all of your heart, mind, and strength.” "

I believe that we can take his answer and apply it in our lives; the Lord did not send us to this life to come back the same. He sent us so that we can turn to Him with all our heart and strength so that we can come back stronger, a better person. Elder Cook also talks about how from that point on he did not look at others or at himself; he looked up to know what He thought of his efforts. And I believe we can all do that; I know in my personal life I strive to look up for comfort from my temptations or doubts instead of others around me. I'm not perfect and I know I still have a long way to go before I get to where He wants me to be; but I'm trying to constantly look up because I know He can help me whenever for He is always there.

Elder Cook list some principles that can help each of us "look up":

Tap into Spiritual Power - We can tap into the spiritual power but daily prayer and personal & constant scripture reading. When we are ask "What can I do for Thee today?" He will bless us with a prompting of his plans.  We will be able act upon the impressions He gives us and to do difficulties things for the right reasons, depsite what's required.

Stay True to the Direction You Recieve - We can "look up" by staying true to the direction we recieve by our Heavenly Father by personal revaltions. Sometimes others can try to persuade us to swirve off the direction we've been given, even by good intentions. We need to stay true to what we've been told.

Don't Be Afraid to Act -  Sometimes we see a plan set before us from start to finish getting caught up with all the details, we become afraid to act. Make good choices by the best of your judgement and then keep moving forward. Don't be afraid of making decisions for the fear of making mistakes. Don't be afraid of trying new things; in doing so you can find joy in the journey.

Stand by Your Post - All of us are in the  need of help. Some solutions we ask for come quickly while some come later we hoped or different than we had hoped. And occasionally, the solutions don't come at all. In such cases, Elder Cook advices that we stand by our post until the Lord sends some help -- that doesn't mean we stand still and wait. Don't be afraid to act, keep moving forward with good intentions. Keep praying and reading the scriptures and obeying all the commandments. "Don’t abandon your post. In His time the Lord will allow all things to work out for your good."

 "As Mormon explains in Helaman 3:27, “The Lord is merciful unto all who will, in the sincerity of their hearts, call upon his holy name.” I have felt and experienced His mercy and love. I know His mercy will come to all of us as we believe and call upon His name."