Saturday, October 3, 2009

Imperfect

Today during General Conference, President Henry B. Eyring got up to the pulpit and humbly mentioned that he'd forgotten to release a few of the brethren from their callings. I didn't see any embarrassment, any care of what people thought of him, I saw him just say what needed to be said.

I love that.

I believe we're here to learn - and we make mistakes. I personally like to make light of mistakes and foibles, because I think laughter lightens the mood. I know not everyone is like that. It seems most people are so hung up with trying to appear perfect, trying to appear like they know everything about a specific subject, topic, etc... that they forget - it's okay to not know everything, it's okay to appear human.

I don't think any of us is going to point, or jeer at President Eyring that he forgot earlier in the session to release those brethren. We'll recognize that "hey, one of the Presidency of this Church makes mistakes, perhaps it's okay for me too, and for me to acknowledge it, and then make it right."

Trying to appear perfect, or all-knowing when we're not - does a disservice to us internally, and to those around us. It's not honest.

My favorite phrase is "I don't know" when I'm asked millions of questions from my daughters. But I follow that up with, "let's find out". I think the fact that they know their mother doesn't know everything, is good. I think that when they know we can learn for ourselves, if we don't know something, is great.

I don't know a lot of things, that's why I love to learn. I know I can find an answer if I search for it. It also increases my confidence and my peace of mind knowing that I don't have to know everything. Phew!

4 comments:

b. said...

"I don't know....let's find out!"

I love that.

QueenScarlett said...

Thanks sweet b.!

Mrs. O said...

I think I had better switch my tactics. When my daughters or son ask me how I knew they did something I tell them, "Moms know everything."

I love that you took that small moment at Gen Conf and turned it into a great life lesson.

QueenScarlett said...

Mrs. Organic - oh no... culprit-like acts... those momma always know... ha. Except I actually need to get those spidey senses... have yet to have them. Thanks for being my friend.