I once heard a talk given by President Gordon B. Hinckley, the late Prophet and President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (or Mormon Church) that I’ve found myself thinking a lot about lately. I suppose it was less a story and more of an observation really, in which President Hinckley relayed a time when he drove up to an old farm gate. The gate, he saw, was controlled by small hinges that made only the slightest of movements in their assigned duties. The gate itself, however, swung in a large arc, sixteen feet in radius. President Hinckley noted that the decisions we make in our lives can likewise have tremendous consequences. One small thought, one small word, some small action can have far reaching consequences beyond our imagining.
My sister sometimes likes to talk about a thing she calls “stick-to-it-iveness.” If you make up your mind to do something, to achieve something, to be something, you ought to stick with it and see it through. Mormons would say to keep the faith. Being true to yourself and the promises you have made to yourself and to others around you, can bring you happiness and a peace of mind rarely available. You need to be able to count on yourself, and it’s a positively powerful feeling when you know others can count on you too.
Even the Lord Himself said:
“What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same” (D&C 1:37-38.)
Remember those tiny hinges and the impact they had on the gate and it’s ability to function as it was created. Think what impact your small deeds, words or even thoughts have on the world around you. Strive to make even your small actions count for something good in this world.
The Lord also said:
“Therefore, what manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am” (3 Ne. 27:27.)
I believe that if we remember to be the sort of people others can count on, whose word is golden and actions speak of honor and integrity, we will feel satisfied with ourselves. Such deep personal satisfaction will bring us peace and a lasting happiness of true value.
