Act Well Thy Part
Former LDS Young Women General President Elaine S. Dalton frequently shared her favorite saying, "Whate'er thou art, act well thy part." That phrase inspired the thoughts I shared with my church congregation back in August 2013, which I have repurposed to share with you.
We all have different "parts" that we play in the world. Our parts may be professional: doctors, lawyers, teachers, politicians, librarians, janitors, or secretaries. Our parts may be religious: bishops, missionaries, Sunday School teachers, or ministers. Our parts may be familial: mothers, fathers, brothers, daughters, cousins, aunts, and grandfathers.
At this stage of my life, I am called sister, aunt, daughter, granddaughter, daughter-in-law, wife, sister-in-law, friend, student, writer, Mia Maid adviser, and volunteer.
But my most important title will always be daughter of God.
Knowing and understanding this title--and wearing it proudly--impacts me daily. As I come to understand my identity, I better understand my purpose here on earth. I am here to develop relationships as I fulfill my different roles. I am here to work hard to make an impact on the world around me. I am here to improve myself to become like my Heavenly Father and Mother and to use the blessings They give me to return to Them one day.
I am made in Their image. I inherited Their attributes of empathy, joy, and wisdom.
As I understand my role and purpose, I can help others do the same. I can help them to "act well thy part" in whatever roles they are called to fulfill.
Sometimes it's hard to stay motivated when our part seems so small and insignificant. But Sister Dalton insists, "Our part matters because we matter."
We matter.
We matter to the greatest Being in all the universe, who created the stars in the sky and knows every grain of sand. That fact alone is enough to uplift and strengthen me through the negative news cycle, the glamor of social media, and the trial of every day. Knowing I matter enables me to "act well my part."
We all have different "parts" that we play in the world. Our parts may be professional: doctors, lawyers, teachers, politicians, librarians, janitors, or secretaries. Our parts may be religious: bishops, missionaries, Sunday School teachers, or ministers. Our parts may be familial: mothers, fathers, brothers, daughters, cousins, aunts, and grandfathers.
At this stage of my life, I am called sister, aunt, daughter, granddaughter, daughter-in-law, wife, sister-in-law, friend, student, writer, Mia Maid adviser, and volunteer.
But my most important title will always be daughter of God.
Knowing and understanding this title--and wearing it proudly--impacts me daily. As I come to understand my identity, I better understand my purpose here on earth. I am here to develop relationships as I fulfill my different roles. I am here to work hard to make an impact on the world around me. I am here to improve myself to become like my Heavenly Father and Mother and to use the blessings They give me to return to Them one day.
I am made in Their image. I inherited Their attributes of empathy, joy, and wisdom.
As I understand my role and purpose, I can help others do the same. I can help them to "act well thy part" in whatever roles they are called to fulfill.
Sometimes it's hard to stay motivated when our part seems so small and insignificant. But Sister Dalton insists, "Our part matters because we matter."
We matter.
We matter to the greatest Being in all the universe, who created the stars in the sky and knows every grain of sand. That fact alone is enough to uplift and strengthen me through the negative news cycle, the glamor of social media, and the trial of every day. Knowing I matter enables me to "act well my part."
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