I stumbled upon this wonderful talk the other day given by Marvin J. Ashton in 1987. He talks about spiritual gifts that are not often recognized or perceived as gifts. All of them that he listed were thought provoking for me. But the one that really jumped out and hasn't left my thoughts is "The gift to calm". Here is what he says about it:
"What a majestic gift it is to be able to calm others!. . . Contention is a tool of the adversary. Peace is a tool of our Savior. What a wonderful tribute we pay people when we describe them as being gentle, firm, and calm! Contention stops progress. Love brings eternal progression. Where contention prevails, there can be no united effort in any purposeful direction.. . .“Ye should live in peace one with another” (Mosiah 2:20). Those with the gift of being calm make lasting peace possible."
This definitely is a gift I desire to define me. I've got much improvement to make before that desire is realized. Hopefully by recording it I will make a stronger commitment to continue working towards that. As Elder Ashton said, "It is up to each of us to search for and build upon the gifts which God has given"; therefore I must make a conscious effort.
3 comments:
Do you remember Elder Bednar's article in the Ensign when he referenced this talk? I remember reading it then. I covet this gift but it mostly seems to eludes me....
I remember when you came to visit after your divorce. We were walking to the library and young Caleb was upset about something. I watched in amazement as you dealt with him without the least bit of aggravation or concern for self. It took a great deal of effort but the time and energy you exerted didn't seem to phase you. It seemed your only concern was for him to feel of your patience, love, and understanding. With that love and effort, he did calm down and beautifully--his whole attitude change and we all felt an increase of love afterwards. It was an example of the gift to calm that I have never forgotten and have sought to emulate.
If I were to write about someone who possessed such a gift, I believe you would be the first person that would come to mind. Thank you for your example. It is a defining trait of yours.
Interestingly, I have felt the same as Danna on this one. You have always seemed to me one possessed with a gift of calm. It must be so important to you that you need it more still. I think I understand that a bit. I have been blessed with a gift of contentment, which, although I do sense, I want more of...why is that?
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