A good friend recently taught me that our worth as human beings is based simply on who we are, not on what we do. It relates perfectly to this quote from the LDS Women's Broadcast:
"Our divine nature has nothing to do with our personal accomplishments, the status we achieve, the number of marathons we run, or our popularity and self-esteem. Our divine nature comes from God. It was established in an existence that preceded our birth and will continue on into eternity." - Rosemary M. Wixom
This quote is so profound to me, and it's a lesson I've been forced to learn recently.
This summer I spent a lot of time at home. Usually when I go home everyone asks me what my next adventure is going to be. Because since high school I've answered:
- "I'm going to BYU"
- "I'm teaching English in China"
- "I'm going on a mission"
- "I'm working as an EFY counselor"
- "I'm doing Public Affairs in LA"
- "I'm studying Arabic in Jordan"
But this summer was different. I had no answer. I had no idea what my next adventure would be. And that was really really hard. But there I was, just me. Hanging out at home. Babysitting babies. Going on long walks by myself. Spending my nights cheering for a sister's volleyball team or sewing a sweater with a friend. No plans. No idea what to do next.
And surprisingly, that was okay. That was enough.
Because who I am is not defined by what I do. If I take away all the accomplishments and hobbies and titles and adventures, I am just me - quiet but confident, kind, completely self-motivated, independent and stubborn, very private but probably too honest, sometimes obnoxiously silly and weird, other times analytical and contemplative, soft-spoken but opinionated, faith-filled and sincerely spiritual. That's me. A daughter of a glorious Heavenly Father who just wants to be good and do good.
And that is enough.
