Change.

Heavenly Father puts so many people in our path to help us along this mortal journey. He knew it wouldn't be easy... but with the help of others... it sure is a lot easier! I'm grateful for my best friend, Brittany. We've known each other for about a year, but it seems like we've been sisters for a lifetime. 

The reason our friendship means so much is because she taught me about CHANGE. The definition of this word is to make, or become different. Serving as missionary companions for 8 months taught us a lot about each other. She saw my good, my bad, and my ugly! And she never focused on my weaknesses. I know that I'm not perfect. I fall, stumble, cry, hurt, mess up.... but having a friend who doesn't focus on that means the world to me. She lifts, inspires, motivates, and encourages me to get up... and try again. Why can't we all be a friend like that?

It's so easy for us to look at people and say, "well that girl is just mean".... or "oh he's just like that." Why can't we focus on the great things they do and realize that they have the ability to change, along with us? President Dieter F. Uchtdorf once said, "Haven't we wished all the energy of our souls for mercy-- to be forgiven for the mistakes we have made and the sins we have committed? Because we all depend on the mercy of God, how can we deny to others any measure of the grace we so desperately desire for ourselves?"

This life is a time for change. Because Jesus Christ came into the world, we have the chance to start over. Not only do we have the great blessing of changing.... but so do those around us. What a great truth that so many of us miss. 

So my invitation for you is to focus on the good of those around you. They will mess up... maybe they'll say a hurtful thing to you... maybe they won't be doing what you think they should be.... but know they aren't perfect... and neither are you. But because Jesus Christ lives, change is possible. We can become different, better, and ultimately more like our Savior. What a blessing that is, and something we must remember. Allow ourselves to change... but to also allow others to change also. 

- Shelbie :)