This week you will make your thirteenth journal entry/blog post. Reflect upon the things that you are learning and experiencing so far in this course. What are you looking forward to learning and experiencing? What did you learn from the readings and videos this week?
It's such a nice experience to begin my weekly lessons with spiritual talks that most certainly translate well into temporal life. This week is about gratitude. The opening reading/talk was by President Thomas S. Monson from April 1992 called "An Attitude of Gratitude." It is one of his hallmark talks and has been oft quoted for the past 26 years. I found his words particularly moving this week as I've studied the concept of gratitude in business. "We can lift ourselves, and others as well, when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate an attitude of gratitude." I've heard that countless times since 1992, yet I never once thought about it specifically in business terms. Oh sure, I've thought that in every aspect of my life, I must exercise and practice gratitude. I've been in yucky work situations where I told myself I just needed to be grateful. But I hadn't every pondered the whole talk and his teachings on gratitude through the lens of employment or business creation. Early in the talk, he spoke about the plagues of today: selfishness; greed; indulgence; cruelty; crime. Of course now I see how this talk relates to business! If I aim to bless the lives of my family and others with the fruits of my labors, then I had better be going about my business with an attitude of gratitude for my abilities, blessings, and all goodness from the Lord. Failing to do so will leave me feeling less full or abundant, and I may be tempted to choose the wrong in those times.
"Chance favors only the prepared mind." ~Louis Pasteur
The parable of the sower comes to mind as I ponder on Pasteur's thought. I must prepare myself, my mind, my home, my résumé, and my life to be able to do all that is required of me and to be ready to encounter whatever dragons I may be called to slay. How terrible would it be for a brilliant opportunity to just pass me by because I was too lazy/oblivious/unprepared to get ready for it.
I like something that Larry North said. To the effect, he said that I shouldn't just collect advice, but that I must use it. Again, another parable comes to mind... the parable of the talents. Use it or lose it!
I'm really looking forward to learning more in this journey. Right now I'm just so thankful that I get to FINALLY go to school. I know I have a long road ahead of me, but how cool is it that I'm actually on that road! God is good.
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