Saturday, December 6, 2008

Celebrating a Single Life

Friday, I was fortunate enough to attend Elder Worthlin's funeral services. As church employees, we were given the day off after 11:00 to attend the funeral and other activities. It's always a neat experience, attending a funeral. I often feel like it's my own, often reflecting on what I have identified as my own mission and stewardship in this life.

There was a poem shared by his son, Joseph B. Worthlin Jr., in which two lines in particular resonated strongly with me:

"That man can do the best he can
and leave no debt to his fellow man."

While many will interpret the accountability of this phrase in different ways, it is my opinion that the strongest debt we all have is personal potential unfulfilled. It's funny to think that a tree - without a brain - will grow as tall as it can, while we - with our superior brains and unique relationship with God - will stop ourselves from reaching our full potential.
I guess, in answer to Bach's questions, my greatest motivation is actually a snapshot of what I know is expected of me: to become a profitable and wise servant to my family, my fellow man, and to the Lord's Church.