Are You "Ready"?

Past President's Messages

Weekly Message: Are You Ready?

Usually, at this time of year, when we talk about “readiness” or “preparedness”, our minds quickly conjure up images and thoughts of canning peaches, freezing corn, or learning first aid skills. But today I’d like to discuss a different kind of “ready - ness”.

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you… (1 Peter 3:15)

In our last Stake Council meeting, Dave Thompson, Stake Young Men President, shared this scripture along with some personal experiences of how always being ready to share the reason for our hope in Christ has made a difference in his life.

I have since thought about a variety of ways we can apply this great counsel.

The first way that came to mind was the opportunity we have each week to share experiences in our worship services and classes. When we are willing to share the meaningful learning events from our lives we not only refresh our own witnesses, but we bless the lives of others in ways we may never know. This can also happen as we share our positive experiences and feelings via social media.

Another way I think we are doing this is through the efforts of the Community Connections Committee. Most of us are familiar with the big CCC events like the Food Drives or the Household Goods Exchange or the Share the Harvest Fair coming up in just a few weeks. These large events create opportunities to serve our neighbors AND work alongside them doing something good for others. This builds lifelong bonds of goodwill and friendship.

But you might not be as familiar with the other efforts by the CCC to provide clothing, beds, furniture, bicycles, or food to those who need it… at no cost. Sister Jasper routinely updates me about the people who have donated and the people who are receiving. I typically do not publicize these out of respect for privacy, but it is amazing and heartwarming to see the magnitude and depth of your generosity. In my opinion, these are some of the purest expressions of the hope we feel in Christ. If you have items to donate or would like to be part of something so genuine and kind, please contact Sister Jasper.

The final way I will mention is to be what I call… a “smile first” person.

Last May in our Stake Conference, Elder Bowen counseled us to open our mouths and share the gospel. One of the ways I am learning to do this, was also suggested by Brother Thompson in his comments to the Stake Council. It is simply this…

Smile more and smile first!

When I smile at the person across from me at the gas station or in the grocery store or in a restaurant, they almost always smile back at me. And in that connecting moment, I have a chance to say “hello” or “how are you today” or anything else to strike up a conversation. Since I started consciously smiling more and smiling first, I have had more opportunities to talk to people than ever before. And in those conversations come opportunities to talk about who I am and what I believe…not in a preachy way, but in a way that is normal and natural… because what I believe is part of who I am.

If I wait for the other person to smile or say hello, it almost never happens. It is just too easy these days to avoid face-to-face conversations and focus on our phones.

So I have made a commitment to myself that I will be a “smile first” person and I invite you to consider doing the same.

I hope each of us will focus on this important aspect of our personal “preparedness”.

It costs us nothing to share our time and smile more, but these simple actions can bring treasures…even hidden treasures… that will increase our joy in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I promise.

I love you.

President Gardner