Doing our best and being recognized

 

"Watch me, Pops! Watch me!"

Little Avery was bouncing on the Cellercizer™, and wanted me to pay attention. She gets only a few inches of elevation, but in her mind, it's probably a few feet. She spins and twists, kicking up a foot here and there. She imagines herself an elegant dancer or gymnast, while I'm just hoping she doesn't fall and hurt herself!

There's a special delight in watching a child perform, in any kind of setting. Most children love to have attention focused on them, and in their minds they are doing something really impressive. From the perspective of a little body with only a little experience, it must seem elegant and athletic. Adults with more perspective have other things to compare, and easily recognize the difference. But we dearly love our little ones and praise their enthusiasm.

There is a lot we can learn from children. When we are doing something as well as we can, trying our best - we should be proud of our accomplishments. This is especially true when we are pushing our personal limits. It doesn't matter if someone else can do it better. It doesn't matter if someone else is more naturally talented, or has worked harder to achieve greater proficiency. There will ALWAYS be someone more capable. We should never judge our achievements based on the performance of another person - only based on our own capabilities and goals. Of course, we can learn from the examples of those who can do something better, be inspired by them, and aspire to improve. But we should never disparage our own accomplishments just beccause someone else has achieved more.

A second lesson is the innate desire to be seen. "Watch me!" We all appreciate when someone acknowledges our effort or expresses gratitude. It's particularly nice to know that our efforts make a difference in some way. Or it's helpful to know that someone else notices that our efforts in some area have allowed us to improve a skill or change a behavior. The positive reinforcement we get from others, and give to one another, is an important part of enabling further growth and progress.

Spencer W. Kimball one time expressed the thought this way: "I find myself hungering and thirsting for just a word of appreciation or of honest evaluation from my superiors and my peers. I want no praise; I want no flattery; I am seeking only to know if what I gave was acceptable." (TSWK 489) What a fascinating thought.

And how important it is that we #GiveThanks to one another for the good we see in each other!