Feeling inadequate for a task is something almost everyone is familiar with. Layne Hymas, the accounting services director for BYU-Idaho, felt that uncertainty when he was asked to speak at this week’s devotional.
“Interestingly enough, when they asked me to do a devotional, I thought about how ordinary I was,” Hymas said in an interview with BYU-Idaho Radio. “And I thought, what do I have to share? Then the talk that President Hinckley gave when he was here and dedicated the Hinckley Building come to mind. He talked about ordinary people doing extraordinary things.”
In his devotional address, Hymas talked about how living the gospel sets us apart from the rest of the world.
“I believe we are all extraordinary,” Hymas said. “Just by keeping the commandments you are doing extraordinary things in a world that thinks members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are peculiar.”
He commented on how many of us feel ordinary or that we have little to offer. Being a member of the Church gives us a plethora of chances to do things that touch the lives of others. When we impact others for good, we are being much more than simply ordinary humans.
Callings are one example he gives which allow us to grow and reach outside of ourselves. He shared a personal experience about how receiving a calling helped him get through a difficult trial, his father’s death.
He was asked to be an elder’s quorum instructor. He said he felt uncomfortable with the idea, but accepted when the elder’s quorum president insisted it was a calling from the Lord. During his teaching one meeting, he felt love, peace and assurance.
“An ordinary call to serve had turned into an extraordinary event that helped me understand my dad’s passing,” Hymas said.
He went on to share another challenge his family is currently facing. His wife has an overabundance of health challenges. The constant struggle for relief that constantly ends in vain has been taxing.
“I have learned a lot and felt new emotions during this time,” Hymas said. “I developed confidence to allow me to deal with these new emotions and difficulties. I also know that new experiences including difficulties will continue but I understand now they are meant to shape me, and I am better equipped to handle future challenges. … It is up to us to allow the circumstances or people to improve our lives.”
Hymas then gave a list of seven things that can help each of us build on our extraordinary foundation.
1. Prepare for each day.
2. Be a solid member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
3. Beware of pride.
4. Share your extraordinary gifts.
5. Attend the temple.
6. Become like our Savior by fulfilling the potential He has given to each one of us.
7. Courage to be what your Heavenly Father created you to be.
“The way I came up with those, is I looked at my life and I looked at the things that helped me during difficult times and during good times,” Hymas said.
He reminded everyone they have the potential to do great good within their sphere of influence. By living the gospel, he said each of us can bless each other in extraordinary ways.
Besides his resounding devotional message, Hymas said there is one more thing he would tell students if he could.
“I would want to tell them that they are loved by many,” Hymas said.