"Nerd."

  Today, in the midst of our missionary labors, I was having a conversation with my companion, Elder Longstaff.  In one way or another, something I had said or done caused him to comment on the fact that I was a nerd.

"Beward of Attack Frog."

 Now, this was not news to me.  I have been accused of being a Nerd many times throughout my life; be it by family, friends, acquaintances, coworkers, bosses, companions, passerby, whatever.  Anyone who is in my vicinity for any amount of time will surely come to realize this one simple fact:
 I am a Nerd.

Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Training. Yep.

  I have no shame in admitting this, whether or not this title is intended to be demeaning or embarrassing.  It's not really something I can deny.  I have R2-D2 dangling from my backpack (to keep my Lego Bandito company), my journal is an illustrated comic book with stick figures, I can point out most major constellations in the Northern Hemisphere, I read the Lord of the Rings before I left elementary school (and all the Harry Potters multiple times since their release), and I can even draw most of the (now) 492 Pokemon from memory (after 2 years of missionary service, mind you).
 I know what you are thinking at this point in time:
 "He's right; he is a nerd."

Some people are ninjas.

 Thank you.  Now that this is established, I can get to my point. :)

 God created all of us to be different.  Some may be naturally good at piano, while others can run like the wind.  Some people are always cheerful and good natured, and others can solve a rubix cube in ten seconds.  Some love math, others flourish in art.  Some love the hustle and bustle of the city, others live for the serene calm of the country.  Some like to spend rainy days under a blanket reading, and others like to go jump in the puddles and sing.  Some like to do both.
  Only one thing is common of all of us:
 Everyone is unique.

  We all are blessed with different gifts, talents, abilities, bodies, weaknesses, and personalities.  Someone once said "variety is the spice of life."  We can speak of being "normal", "fitting in", or what have you.  But whether we like it or not, there just is no "normal".  Everyone is different.  Fact.  Now what you choose to do with your individuality is another story.

Me at 12.  Still a nerd.

 Some feel pressure by friends to act, dress, or speak a certain way.  Let's face it, there's a lot of pressure in today's world to be "hip" (or whatever words the kids use nowadays).  If you don't always say the right things all the time, people might brand you "awkward".  If you don't wear designer jeans, they might accuse you of not being "in fashion".  And if you have drawings of dragons on your binder cover, they might just call you a "nerd."

So what?

 If variety is the spice of life, then conformity must surely be the mold.  God created each of us to be gloriously different. There are countless ways we are all individual and special, and God tells us to "let your light so shine before men".  Your light. Not anyone elses.

When we worry about molding ourselves to the world's standards, that is precisely what we become: a gross, fuzzy black spot on the feast of diversity that is the human family.  So be proud of who you are.  Whether you're a "jock", "geek", "bookworm", "spaz", "tomboy", or whatever, just be you. 
 And I'll leave you with the immortal words of Dr. Seuss (because yes, I am a nerd):

5 pens in pocket. 2 pairs of glasses. 1 nerdy guy.

 "You are you, that is truer than true.  There is no one today who is youer than you."

Gratitude

As I was recently reading a talk by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland entitled "Because of your faith", I felt a surge of many different emotions.  Guilt, for the innumberable services that have been done for me by my own parents and loved ones.  Joy, for the wonderful blessings they are in my life, even as they are a time zone away at a long lost home.  Lastly, an overwhelming feeling of gratitude welled up inside as I reflected on the many, many wonderful people in my life, who I love.

 I wanted to leave a simple post, much like Elder Holland's long overdue thank you to his parents.  Rather than a single instance, I hope to convey seemingly small moments of service and charity done unto me in rapid fire succession. :P Thanks to:

-Mom and Dad, for getting me a Nintendo 64 in 3rd grade for no other reason than that I really really wanted one. :P I know that was a sacrifice, and that has meant more to me than I can adequately express.

-Beau, for being a true brother and best friend to me from day one.  You are a huge part of who I am, and I am so thankful for the man that you are.

-Cassidy, my big sista, who set the example for me, even when she didn't know it.  I never had a big bro' to turn to for help, but I didn't need to, because you are better. :)

-Hillary, my lil' sis, for being my friend in the way only a little sister could.  I still fondly remember our friday night disney parties, with pizza and an original movie. Those were the days. :)

-My best friend Colbren, who has been a brother and a support to me countless times throughout my life. From mundane moments to decisions of incalculable weight, you are always there for me.

-The rest of my family, who have shaped me into the person I am today.  All the good that I see in myself, I can trace their origins in each and every one of you. For the sake of time, I can't go through all your names, but you know who you are.

-My friends throughout my life, each of whom served a valuable purpose and provided cherished memories.  I hope to see all of you again someday, and I hope someday to return the endless love you've shown me.

-To you.  If you are reading this, even if I don't know you, I want to thank you for being who you are.  Thank you for your hope, your faith, for all the good that you do in others lives.  God loves you, and so do I.

The Parable of the Sower!
























Voila!