Once a week a devotional was offered at the main building on campus when I attended Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho. During the week, the devotional was offered for purchase at the bookstore. It was also broadcast on the local campus radio for those who did not desire to attend the conference but wanted to listen. Some of these I had recorded myself as I would be engaged in other activities - like doing dishes - and wasn't giving my full attention.
Such was the case of the last devotional offered in May 1982 (I believe). The speaker was Paul H. Dunn. As it was the last week and the tape might not even be recorded for purchase, nor would I be in Idaho to make the purchase. It was such an awesome devotional. I think the broadcast said to destroy any recordings of the session - but I'm not sure - that part didn't get recorded. I remember my roommates saying they had heard it. Too bad. I couldn't bring myself to destroy it. It was beautiful. I hung onto it. I called it my "illegal" tape recording.
I probably have most of the tape memorized - though not in a specific order. I do remember his relating learning from his dad - how his dad had counseled that Paul would lead and people would follow. The example he used came several years later when he was and another authority figure had been called to give a blessing to a member who was at a Veteran hospital. Elder Dunn reminded us to imagine the circumstances surrounding a Veteran hospital and how there is not much in the way of privacy as one may be accustomed to when giving or receiving a priesthood blessing. He reflected his dad's words to lead and asked for the attention of all the men surrounding him.
I don't know if I remember the exact quote word for word, but he announced why he was there and that he didn't know what faith any of the men were but asked if they would combine whatever beliefs they had and display a reverence so that he could give the priesthood blessing. He described the reverent setting and said as they were leaving, at least three more men asked for blessings.
For some, the ability to lead just comes naturally. It isn't thought about. It isn't a role they intended to aspire to. Great leaders are gifted, I think. One example of great leadership is my daughter, Jenna. She has always been a leader - encouraging pre-school classmates into following directions and praising them when they got it right, including everybody and not singling out those who couldn't walk or weren't as socially active, and being a friend to all.
Over the years she has had many friends who had ADD and ADHD or were socially awkward or somehow didn't fit in with their peers. Jenna has never discriminated but embraces each one into her social circle. She doesn't show favoritism. And as I have mentioned countless times, Jenna is her own self. She never chose to be a role model for others, but she is greatly admired because she is who she is; she uplifts others and refuses to allow others to bring her down.
We went to the Riddle Library yesterday. Although Myrtle Creek has tried adapting the summer reading program to teens as well as younger youth, the participation, unfortunately, is not as good as Riddle. I realize that before we get to Riddle, Lacie has always anticipated Jenna's arrival. I didn't get the gist of it until yesterday when I visited with her mom.
Lacie has a huge amount of allergies - especially with aerosols and cleaning chemicals. They have made her sick and she has had seizures and epilepsy. She will be starting her final year of high school in the fall. Jenna will be starting her first year. Jenna is socially accepted by practically everybody. Lacie, who has missed out on a lot of childhood due to illness, has a hard time fitting in as her social skills are less sophisticated for her peers. She asked me and Jenna if we were in a hurry to leave the library or if we could hang out for a while.
I did have a lecture starting in another hour and a half, but did not have any other commitment. Lacie needed Jenna. So they laughed and played. Jenna taught Lacie every camp song she had ever learned. They both had fun. I'm not quite sure who enjoyed it more. It's too bad for Lacie that they won't be attending the same high school.
I like that my daughter is a great example and friend to all. Jenna is an awesome leader. I love her so much.
