Lessons in Humility and Gratitude

So I got a healthy serving of humble pie this morning. The Clyde building was evacuated and locked down due to an electrical mishap leading to the release of carbon monoxide to the building. As a result, my books were locked up. While bemoaning my fate (instead of being grateful for not being injured, that no one was hurt, etc.) and whining via text to friends I turned a corner toward my car while walking and slipped on a smooth sheet of black ice. The cell phone in one hand flew across the street and the textbook I was holding was launched in the air, only to land squarely in my face. Dizzy and sore, I tried to get up and fell right back down...twice, much to the enjoyment of passing vehicles. Looking up at the sky from my new perspective it was as if I heard, "Fine. You want something to cry about? Here ya go." I got up laughing and embarrassed.

However, we are often so consumed by the inconsequential details of life that we become negative about the silliest things. It is interesting that while hundreds of thousands suffer in Haiti (Read First Presidency statement) and other places, we can be frustrated by that which is of no consequence. Hopefully, we can all seek to concern ourselves with that which matters most and turn our talents and resources outward to those in real need.