We watched a movie called, “Love, Kennedy.” This has left me with a lot to think about. In particular, one scene where Kennedy is now blind and struggles to speak, but the cheer squad has asked her to be a part of their team. As the coach talks to the girls about their challenges (lots of homework, problems with parents, etc) that prevent them from arriving to practice on time, the coach turns to Kennedy and asks what her challenges are. Kennedy says, “none.” The girls and the coach are stunned and assume that she didn’t understand the question. But Kennedy did understand and reiterated that she got to cheer and go to school and that she didn’t have any challenges.
Fast forward to our family scripture study this morning. Lehi, the prophet, has been preaching to the people, they mock him and try to kill him. He is warned to take his family and flee into the wilderness. They take nothing with them save their tent and provisions. Then, in 1 Nephi 2:7 we read, “And it came to pass that [Lehi] built an of , and made an unto the Lord, and gave unto the Lord our God.”
Lehi didn’t focus on the challenges, but had gratitude for the warning and the safety of his family.
The eye sees what the mind tells it to.
What do I tell my mind to see. The trials and tribulations? Do I focus on the disaster that my kids left behind in a whirlwind on their way to school? Or do I see that they were eager to spend the day learning with their friends? Do I see challenges to overcome? Or do I see the hand of the Lord shaping me into what and who he knows I’m meant to be?
I want to be more like Kennedy. Heavenly Father has blessed me so richly. These blessings are what I want to tell my eyes to see.
The children at church sang this song in November. It is very fitting for how I feel today.
Family Life Education 