As I read "A Child of God" by Henry B. Eyring, I was reminded of who I am and what my purpose on this Earth entails. From the very beginning of this address, it was reinforced to me that we are the future of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. However, we are not the only ones who know this. Christ and Satan are also aware of this situation. From this knowledge, I realized the importance of my everyday choices. I know that Christ will always be at my door, waiting for me to open it and to invite him into my life. With the Savior as my constant friend and example, I truly know that I will be able to overcome any obstacle that is placed in my path, and be given the strength that is needed to not heed to the temptations of the devil.
President Eyring also brought up pride and education. In today's world we are constantly under much pressure as we improve our educational excellence while avoiding pride. The one thing that he said we could do everyday for constant protection against pride is to "simply remember who God is and what it means to be his child". This statement sounds so simple, yet it can be very difficult to remember. Our lives can become so busy and chaotic, that at times we can't even remember a lesson that we have been taught so many times, starting in nursery.
The part that really hit home with me, was when he was explaining how helping other people is a characteristic of a great scholar. President Eyring said, "sometimes the greatest kindness we could receive would be to have someone expect more from us than we do, because they see more clearly our divine heritage". I am an athlete and have been participating in all kinds of sports since I was a child. Through the years I have had many coaches, but they have all pushed me so that I could reach my potential. My dad was my first coach, and he always emphasized the importance of always doing my best. He would push me daily, and sometimes I would get discouraged. From Elder Eyring's talk I was able to put into perspective what my dad and other coaches had been doing for me. They were showing kindness as they pushed me to my potential. They were able to see something that I didn't at that time. I am grateful that I have this knowledge and understanding, and that I truly am a child of God.
