The Longest Yard of My Life

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      Sleep was impossible that night. Over and over again my memories played out the horrific scenes that I had recently experienced. It was the taunting fans who bore the red "U" with their unmerciful team of football players that decimated my blue colored team early that evening. These thoughts flooded my head and sleep was not an option for me that night.
      Football is perhaps the only sport that can fully grab my attention without interruption. My anticipation for my first college game that I would attend that evening was overwhelming. I made it to the stadium far earlier than necessary, making sure that not a minute would pass of the game without me.
      The game started with a quick fumble and score by the rivals. I should of saw it early, but  I hoped for the best because this play foreshadowed the rest of the game. It became increasingly difficult to cheer as the red colored team showed no compassion on the football field. The fans tried earnestly to praise their broken blue team, but found a safer option by exiting the stadium before the end of the massacre that was currently taking place. I compared the crowds flight out of the stadium to that exodus experienced by the children of Israel fleeing Egypt, certainly relief came to them and us as we fled.
      It was the longest walk of my life home. What happened? Why? How could they? Grief, that was the simplest way to put it for me. The thoughts would not remove from my mind that entire night. Play by play came and went with review in my head, with the same questions being asked, but never expected to be answered. However, one questions I finally understood! The reason why the jerseys of the Utah players were a lot brighter red than normal that evening.

Response to Elder Eyring's "A Child of God"

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      Elder Eyring spoke of a strong learner and the attributes that encompass such an individual. He helps all identify these habits of a great learner and put them in our own lives. However, he emphasizes humility as a foundation to really growing as a learner and pride as hurdle that can hinder ones ability to becoming a hallmark of a learner.

              Elder Eyring spoke of the pursuit towards educational excellence and it's dependence on humility. I was baffled as I read across this because I never associated humility as a focus my schooling. I questioned the power that humility has over the unlearned and what contributions it can provide to one's growth. The answer seems simple, the Lord wants us to be humble so he can teach us. Who doesn't want the Lord on their side? Is he not the greatest ally, friend, teacher we have? I think most people can agree an education at BYU is not your leisure Sunday stroll through the park experience; to this Elder Eyring counsels "work hard"! With a humble heart we "rise up to the privileges God wants to grant us". Without a humble heart we rely on on our own strengths, but with God assistance  "nothing shall be impossible" (Luke 1:39). Not even that calculus class will hold you back!

             Elder Eyring brings up important characteristics of a strong learner, all of which contrast the prideful individual. He tells us foremost to "welcome correction". It's not the easiest to have someone point out your faults, but it is impossible to recognize them when one is full of pride. We are counseled not only to welcome correction it but to desire because none of us our perfect. It helps to know where you went wrong so you can improve! His second characteristic listed was that great learners keep commitments. He tells us "what all disciplines have in common is a search for rules and a commitment to them. No doubt the pride that one may have can destroy his commitments to rules or regulations. If one can't commit to rules of education, then what makes one think they can commit to the Lord? The last two characteristics of a great learner is that they work hard and expect resistance and eventually overcome it. I believe it is important for everyone to do their part with a humble heart and allow  Heavenly Father help you overcome the resistance.