Choosing to “Go and Do”

Seventeen years ago I had a wakeup call. Over a period of years, I had become comfortable isolating myself at home due to some personal insecurities, but that all changed the day God spoke to me. I was in my living room when the impression came:

“If you continue to live your life in isolation, you will one day look back on your life and regret not doing more to connect with others and build the kingdom of God.”

In that very moment, I decided to change. I became determined to not let my personal insecurities interfere with the things that matter most in life. Though I felt enormously uncomfortable doing so, I immediately began seeking opportunites to connect with others by inviting them into my home. Dinner parties became my go-to, but I also hosted book discussions, invited families over for Family Home Evening, and headed up service projects.

All while feeling horribly inadequate and incredibly anxious.

Later, when hosting people in my home began to feel more comfortable, I stretched myself again by reaching out at a community level, doing things I never dreamed I’d do.

As I reflect on the many memories and connections made over the past seventeen years, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the impression from God that came to me to step outside my comfort zone and do what mattered most.

Perhaps the greatest benefactors of my decision to step outside my comfort zone have been my children, who now seek opportunities themselves to host simple dinner parties, gather with others to discuss things of a spiritual nature, and serve others.

Some of the greatest blessings of my life have come from being observant, and then choosing to “go and do”, despite my discomfort and anxiety.

I’m incredibly grateful for the countless individuals I know who are striving to do the same. In their own unique ways, they “rejoice with them that do rejoice, weep with them that weep” (Romans 12:15), “mourn with those that mourn; …comfort those that stand in need of comfort, … stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things” (Mosiah 18:9), “clothe the naked, … feed the hungry, … liberate the captive, administer relief to the sick and the afflicted” (Jacob 2:19), seek out and teach principles of truth, cherish and protect God-given freedoms by understanding and defending the Constitution, protect life, safeguard the family, and choose to do God’s will in all things, even if it means they stand alone. These individuals are kind, patient, and humble, both on social media and in person, desiring only to live a life that is pleasing unto God.

Through our combined efforts, and despite any potential discomfort and anxiety, we’ll continue to fill our world with the light and hope of Jesus Christ, and be filled with the joy that comes from doing so.

“Discipleship is not a spectator sport. You and I need to be really good at this. When we see people in need, we need to respond. When we see people who are struggling, we need to help. That’s what disciples do.” ~ Brent H. Nielson

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Art Credit:

On A Hiking Trip

Ernst Hader