I lost the election

When I was in high school, I lost an election for a student government position.

I felt both embarrassed and frustrated.

I felt embarrassed for putting all the effort into running a campaign, making stickers, and giving an enthusiastic speech in front of the entire school.

And I felt frustrated that no one (or not enough people at least) could see the value that I would bring!

I thought that I truly was the best person for that position, but that I hadn’t been able to convey that to everyone.

Lehi shared a prophecy about Joseph Smith.

The Lord said, “And I will make him great in mine eyes.” (2 Nephi 3:8)

I can’t help but think–

Whose eyes do I want to be great in?

I learned early on that I can’t count on being seen as “great” in the eyes of my peers.

(For the record, I had an amazing group of friends in high school and I ended up taking another student government position that year.)

But I have to almost EXPECT to be underestimated.

We may not always be viewed as someone awesome at school, at work, in our community, in our wards, and even in our families.

We might have a kid who doesn’t win “student of the month”, gets cut from the team, or struggles in a class.

But whose opinion matters the most?

I’ve slowly learned that other people’s perceptions actually have nothing to do with who I really am.

I mean, it is always a good idea to be kind and try to make friends.

To serve and to love.

But when we decide that God’s opinion of us is all that matters, we can gain clarity on how to truly be a “great” person in God’s eyes!

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black