Good afternoon brothers and sisters: Many of you are probably wondering, why would they ask Brother Anderson to speak at devotional? After considering this question I think I have found the answer. Many years ago in our ward in Nampa, Idaho I was asked to speak in church. As I began my talk I made the simple comment that I had never won any motivational speaking awards and so I warned the audience that this might be a less than exciting talk. As I finished my talk and sat down a member of the bishopric leaned over and handed me a hand written note that said, "This certificate recognizes Leon Anderson as being a Motivation Speaker." So, aren't you lucky? You are in the presence of a certified motivational speaker. A few minutes into this talk you will soon realize this certificate was probably given in error but I do hope that with the help of the Holy Ghost you will benefit in some small way from attending devotional today.
One of the refreshing things about working on this campus is the chance I have to observe you students on a daily basis at this exciting and pivotal stage in your life. Your enthusiasm and optimism as it pertains to your future is a pleasure to observe. Many important decisions take place at this time of your life that will help you continue to learn, grow, and progress. All of you up to this point in your life have experienced the feeling of true happiness in varying degrees. It is my suggestion to you today that your best days are still ahead of you. Will life get easier after you graduate? No. Will your life get easier after you get married? No. Will all your troubles disappear after you get what you feel is a good job? No. Will you have challenges and trials in the future? Plan on it. Regardless of your personal circumstances, at each stage of your life, you will have the opportunity to experience during your time on this earth what many refer to as "An Abundant Life" which is my topic for this afternoon.
President Spencer W. Kimball taught:
"The abundant life, of course, has little to do with the acquisition of material things, though there are many wonderful individuals who have been blessed materially and who use their wealth to help their fellowmen--and this is most commendable. The abundant life noted in the scriptures is the spiritual sum that is arrived at by the multiplying of our service to others and by investing our talents in service to God and to man. Jesus said, you will recall, that on the first two commandments hang all the law and the prophets, and those two commandments involve developing our love of God, of self, of our neighbors, and of all men. There can be no real abundance in life that is not connected with the keeping and the carrying out of those two great commandments."[1]
Last fall I helped my Aunt pick apples from her one average sized apple tree. When we were done we had two bushel baskets full of apples from just one tree. This is a simple example of abundance. The heaping baskets were not a result of one large apple filling each of the baskets of course, but it was a result of picking one apple at a time each apple varying in size until each basket was full. In comparison the spiritual feelings and experiences of abundance in our lives does not happen as a result of just two or three monumental experiences. Just like the basket of apples, this overall feeling of abundance comes as a result of individual feelings and experiences that we will have throughout our lives. These experiences may include the feelings you have from positive personal interaction with good friends and acquaintances, how you feel when performing one act of service at a time, receiving acts of service one act at a time, positive experiences and relationships with your immediate and extended family, and the blessings that come from being an active and contributing member of the church. Each of you will have your own version of this feeling of abundance but it is a blessing we all can and should enjoy during our time here on earth.
I would like to suggest five principles to help each of us experience the abundant life described by President Kimball.
Principle 1: Feelings of an abundant life come when we look outside ourselves and focus on the needs of others.
Many think that in order to personally experience an abundant life that the best way to do this is to put their own personal wants, desires, and interests ahead of others. It is my testimony that the opposite is true. We begin to recognize and experience great blessings when we look outside ourselves and focus on the needs of others. When you visit with someone who has served a mission, with few exceptions, they will tell you that one of the happiest and most fulfilling times of their life was during their mission. We all know the reason why. Prior to their missions it is quite possible that most of their attention was focused on themselves. During their missions, their focus was no longer on themselves but on the people they were called to serve. Their self-interests were of little concern but they would do anything to serve their fellow men and help bring them closer to Christ and become members of His church.
A good example of someone experiencing an abundant life as a result of looking outside themselves and focusing on the needs of others are my parents. Their second child and my older brother Ken was born deaf. Years ago it was common for young deaf children to begin their formal education when they were around 4 years old. As a result my parents would drive Sunday evenings for 2 1/2 /hours from their home in Mackay, Idaho and drop their young son off for the week at the State School for the Deaf and Blind in Gooding, Idaho. They would then pick him up that Friday afternoon and drive back home to Mackay for the short weekend and then repeat the process weekly.
It did not take long for my parents to realize that in their minds this was not the best way to raise a family so they made the decision to move from their home in Mackay and the area they loved and moved to Gooding. They put aside their personal interests and focused on what was best for their family. Little did they know that a few years later another daughter and son would later join the family that were also deaf. I do not ever recall my parents ever saying "Why us?" All I remember was my parents being actively involved in the lives of each of their children. They raised us in a gospel centered home and were great examples to us of serving others. They made the most of a difficult situation and proceeded to live their own version of an abundant life. They did this by always putting the needs and interests of their family and others ahead of their own. For the last several years they have served faithfully in their church callings, served a mission together in Nauvoo, served countless hours in the temple, and provided countless hours of service to their children and grandchildren. The key component in my opinion that allowed my parents to experience their abundant life is the fact that they forgot about themselves and instead have always looked for ways to serve others.
Principle 2: An abundant life comes when we make the most of our individual circumstances - not excuses.
As I associate with many students on this campus one thing I have learned is that students come from a variety of backgrounds. Some have grown up in the church while some are recent converts. Some attended a high school where they were the only member of the church while others attended a high school where almost everyone was a member of the church. Some have their own unique physical limitations or challenges while others do not. Each one of you have circumstances in your life that are a challenge to you to some degree. At times you may compare your circumstances with those of others and conclude that you have all the strikes against you and someone else has a clean slate. Please remember every one of us have and will yet have our own unique challenges. What matters is how we accept and then deal with these personal challenges and trials. Don't let these challenges, large and small, prevent you from experiencing an abundant life.
In D&C 122: 5, 7 we read:
"If thou art called to pass through tribulation; if thou art in perils among false brethren; if thou art in perils among robbers; if thou art in perils by land or by sea;
"If thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; ..... if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good."[2]
I am aware of relatives, friends, BYU-Idaho students and BYU-Idaho employees who have experienced life changing illnesses or life changing injuries that would, in some people's minds, give them the perfect excuse to become negative and think that they can no longer experience as much happiness as they once did. Instead, it has been my observation that these individuals with these unexpected challenges are often the greatest examples of optimism and happiness and are great examples of pursuing the feeling of an abundant life.
The example I have of someone making the most of a perceived bad situation is my older brother Ken. I could share similar stories of each of my siblings but today I'll pick on Ken. As I mentioned earlier Ken was born deaf. Ken was my best friend growing up and we did everything together. We went to the same scout and basketball camps, graduated from High School together, began college the same day and served our missions at the same time. Someone forgot to tell Ken that his deafness would be an inconvenience to him. Instead he learned and developed many talents that were of benefit to him and others. Ken was a very good athlete, standing 6'9" didn't hurt either. In high school he was a very good punter, basketball player, and track athlete, which included setting the overall state high jump record for Idaho his senior year. After high school he played basketball at Ricks College and was also on the track team. He went on to play basketball and attend school at Gallaudet University in Washington, DC.
Everyone loved associating with Ken. During his time at Ricks, if there was ever a large gathering of students enjoying their interaction with each other, Ken was probably in the middle of it. Ken had the ability to communicate with those who could hear so he was able to interact quite well with everyone. He served a sign language mission in Chicago and Oakland and currently serves in the Deaf Branch presidency in Gooding. Today, if you need something welded, an engine repaired, something fixed or something built or if you want to watch someone catch the biggest fish, whatever you do don't come see me, go see Ken. If you want to see someone serving his fellowmen in his community go see Ken. Never once do I remember Ken saying "Why me?" All I remember observing him doing was basically saying "watch out" and he has proceeded to move forward in his life with confidence and happiness and has been able to accomplish and do great things in his life. Ken hasn't let his circumstance stop him from pursuing and living an abundant life.
Principle 3: An abundant life comes when we develop an attitude of Lifelong Christ-like service.
My current responsibilities at BYU-Idaho include being the advisor in the Service area of our Activities program. I have the blessing of working with students who already know the importance of service and are finding time to serve even though they have busy lives as college students.
Our Service Activities Stewardship Statement says, "Service Activities invites students to learn the doctrines of Christ-like service, render service to others, and cultivate a desire for lifelong service." It is not uncommon for students to come to my office and simply ask, "I just need to serve. What options are there for me at BYU-Idaho?"
The students that I work with in Service Activities on a daily basis are great examples to me of the joy that comes from serving others. It has been my observation that these students are happier and more fulfilled and are adding to their overall student experience by putting the needs of others first before their own. This mentality will serve them well throughout their lives. The students who come to me and ask for my help are directed to student leaders who oversee organized service groups in areas such as adopt a grandparent, the blood drive, special needs activities, various humanitarian service projects, and more.
Being involved in a service organization is a great way to provide meaningful service but it is not the only way. There are many ways to provide small acts of kindness throughout the day to your friends and to complete strangers. A smile, saying hello, or initiating a small conversation with someone you don't know are examples of small acts of kindness that we can do continually. Magnifying our church callings including that of a home or visiting teacher are great ways to provide service.
President Kimball taught:
"I have learned that it is by serving that we learn how to serve. When we are engaged in the service of our fellowmen, not only do our deeds assist them, but we put our own problems in a fresher perspective. When we concern ourselves more with others, there is less time to be concerned with ourselves. ... So often, our acts of service consist of simple encouragement or of giving mundane help with mundane tasks, but what glorious consequences can flow from mundane acts and from small but deliberate deeds! ... God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs. Therefore, it is vital that we serve each other in the kingdom"
President Kimball continued:
"Unless the way we live draws us closer to our Heavenly Father and to our fellowmen, there will be an enormous emptiness in our lives. It is frightening for me to see, for instance, how the life-style of so many today causes them to disengage from their families and their friends and their peers toward a heedless pursuit of pleasure or materialism. So often loyalty to family, to community, and to country is pushed aside in favor of other pursuits which are wrongly thought to be productive of happiness when, in fact, selfishness is so often the pursuit of questionable pleasure which passes so quickly. One of the differences between true joy and mere pleasure is that certain pleasures are realized only at the cost of someone else's pain. Joy, on the other hand, springs out of selflessness and service, and it benefits rather than hurts others."[3]
In Mosiah 2:17 we read, "When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God."[4]
In Matthew 10:39 we read, "He that findeth his life shall lose it; and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it."[5] President Hinckley has taught:
"Those who reach out to lift others will come to know a happiness ... never known before ... Heaven knows there are so very, very, very many people in this world who need help. Oh, so very ... many. Let's get the cankering, selfish attitude out of our lives, my brothers and sisters, and stand a little taller and reach a little higher in the service of others."[6]
President Monson taught students at BYU that their student days should include "the matter of spiritual preparation," including service to others:
"An attitude of love characterized the mission of the Master," President Monson said. "He gave sight to the blind, legs to the lame, and life to the dead. Perhaps when we [face] our Maker, we will not be asked, 'How many positions did you hold?' but rather, 'How many people did you help?' In reality," President Monson concluded, "you can never love the Lord until you serve Him by serving His people."[7]
President Monson also taught:
"To find real happiness, we must seek for it in a focus outside ourselves. No one has learned the meaning of living until he has surrendered his ego to the service of his fellow man. Service to others is akin to duty, the fulfillment of which brings true joy. We do not live alone--in our city, our nation, or our world. There is no dividing line between our prosperity and our neighbor's wretchedness. 'Love thy neighbor' is more than a divine truth. It is a pattern for perfection."[8]
As President Kimball mentioned earlier, when we receive blessings from our Heavenly Father it is often through the actions of others. May I make the simple suggestion, one that has been made by others before, to pray for opportunities to serve? If that is truly your desire and you make finding opportunities to serve a regular topic in your prayers, people and circumstances will be placed in your path for you to assist and serve and as a result you will bless the lives of others and experience the joy that comes from serving.
Principle 4: An abundant life comes when we have an attitude of gratitude.
In Alma 34:38 we read that we should live in thanksgiving daily.[9] In Alma 37:37 we read When thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God.[10] In D&C 46:7 we learn that Ye should do all things with prayer and thanksgiving.[11]
It is when we have this attitude of gratitude that we are more likely to recognize the abundance in our lives. The chances of us having the feelings of an abundant life will be lessened unless we take the time to count our many blessings. We all have a lot to be thankful for and should give our Heavenly Father the credit for all that we have and enjoy. I would encourage all of us to find quiet times when we can stop and think of how we have been blessed and then spend time on our knees expressing our gratitude to our Heavenly Father. I would encourage each of us on a regular basis to take the time to evaluate our lives and identify the thoughts, feelings and experiences that contribute to our version of an abundant life.
Principle 5: A stronger sense of an abundant life comes when we make, pursue and achieve goals that have eternal significance.
It is my testimony that if we set goals with eternal significance and then pursue and reach those goals, we will have an increased desire and determination to live more righteous lives. As a result of this obedience, our chances of experiencing an abundant life increase. Goals with eternal significance include but are not limited to: living worthy of a temple recommend and attending the temple on a regular basis, serving a mission, being married and sealed in the temple, and raising a gospel centered family.
To illustrate this point I would like to share an experience that involves a great group of young men. This experience began two years ago and is still ongoing. This unique experience and transition has been witnessed and enjoyed by many and has left a lasting impression on me and many others. This is an example of a group of young men who set personal goals at an early age including goals with eternal significance.
Two years ago our twin sons were members of our local High School football team in Rexburg and they were excited to play their senior year. All the young men on this team made it their goal during their youth football days to win a high school state championship in football. During the prior high school season their team won four games and lost five. It made sense at the time why no one picked this team do be anything but average their senior season. Fortunately, someone forgot to tell that to this team. This team was a close knit group, all with a common goal. In my opinion this team had three attributes that exceeded that of their opponents this particular season. Their desire to do their best and win was greater and their team unity and unselfishness exceeded that of their opponents.
During this pre-season the boys would continually refer to their goal of winning a state championship and they were determined that nothing would stand in their way of accomplishing this goal. The season began and this team practiced and played their games with one goal in mind: a State championship. I'll give you the condensed version of this very exciting season and simply say, they ended up having pretty good year winning all nine of their regular season games. Not bad. They then went on to win their first two state playoff games. Finally, as a result of every coach and player's desire to win and the best efforts of everyone on the team they held on to win the 5A state championship and end the season undefeated with 12 wins and no losses. You would be hard pressed to find a group of young men and coaches that were happier that evening than this group not to mention the entire community.
The next morning the front page of the local newspaper read: "PERFECT!" On the back page it read "CHAMPS!" What a great experience for these young men. Those were truly great times and an experience they will remember for a lifetime.
Did this experience contribute to these young men experiencing an abundant life? Absolutely. Many probably thought that few things, if any could ever surpass the excitement, satisfaction, and happiness that this experience had brought them, but this overall experience gets even better.
Midway through this particular football season, President Monson made the announcement that young men could begin their missionary service when they turn 18. Many of these young men at an early age made it a goal to win a state championship in football but they also made a personal goal to serve a mission. As a result, midway through this football season, winning a championship and leaving on a mission right after high school became the conversation piece for many. The following spring, mission call after mission call started arriving in the mailboxes of many of these young men. All the sudden this large group of teammates began to decrease in number as they saw their lifelong friends leave, one at a time, week by week to their respective missions throughout the world. What a blessing it was for these boys to have such a large group of friends and teammates with similar values and with the same goal of serving a mission. There are certainly other high school football teams who go undefeated and win championships, but few teams can say they have over 30 young men from their championship team currently serving missions. I don't give you that number to brag or set this group of young men apart from anyone else. I give you that number in the spirit of excitement, humility and gratitude. Watching them work together on the football field was certainly enjoyable but watching this group transition into the lives of Elders has been equally enjoyable and fulfilling.
Mondays are currently my favorite day of the week. Around 10 a.m. each Monday morning I get to read the weekly letter from our son serving his mission in Farmington, New Mexico. Later that afternoon I get to read another missionary letter from our son serving in Mesa, Arizona. I love reading their missionary experiences, reading how their testimony of the gospel is growing, and of course seeing their most recent pictures. Our sons express how they are loving their respective areas and more importantly that they are loving the people they have been called to serve. They often write how happy they are as a result of serving the Lord every hour of every day. The feelings I get when I read their letters contribute to my own abundant life experience. It is apparent that their experiences are bringing great blessings to them as well. The weekly letters we receive from our boys and their unique life-changing experiences are duplicated in the missionary e-mails we read from their teammates. Some mention providing many acts of service including giving priesthood blessings. They are all instruments in the Lord's hands, helping individuals come unto Christ, helping individuals become converted and being baptized. Many are involved in helping couples move closer to their goal of attending the temple and being sealed together as a couple and as families.
My wife and I often comment on the letters we read from our boys and their teammates and ask the question "Is this the same young man we knew a few months ago?" We know the answer to this question. The answer is: yes and No. The experience they had on the football team was one they will always remember and cherish but the experiences they are having on their missions have so much more significance experiences they will reflect upon for years to come. These young men are experiencing the blessings that come from achieving their goal of serving a mission and then faithfully serving. They are currently experiencing their own abundant lives and are helping many others do the same. They are experiencing the abundant life that comes from setting goals with eternal significance and focusing on things that matter most.
Brothers and Sisters, we all have a lot to be thankful for. Life offers its fair share of challenges but it is all worth it when we experience the feelings we have discussed this afternoon. These feelings that we can have during our time on earth are just a glimpse of how we will feel after this earth life if we endure to the end and qualify for exaltation. Our Heavenly Father wants nothing more than for us to have these feelings and experiences while on this earth. May we remember to focus on the needs of others more than our own, make the most of our personal circumstances, develop the attitude of lifelong Christ-like service, maintain an attitude of gratitude and pursue goals with eternal significance. As we do, we will experience the joy that our Heavenly Father is eager to bless us with.
Notes
[1] Ensign, July 1978
[2] D&C 122: 5&7
[3] Ensign, July 1978
[4] Mosiah 2: 17
[5] Matthew 10:39
[6] Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley (1997), 587
[7] Thomas S. Monson, "Great Expectations" (CES Fireside for young adults, Jan. 11, 2009)
[8] Ensign, October 2009
[9] Alma 34:38
[10] Alma 37:37
[11] D&C 46:7