I've been feeling a little down lately, I needed to explain some things to myself... that's basically what this is. It was written primarily for my benefit, I wasn't going to put it on here, but I thought that maybe some people, though they are not going through the same trials that I have been facing lately, might appreciate this message. God doesn't need us to give more than we have to give. It's like the woman who gave two pence for her tithes, but it was all that she had, so she was blessed more than those that gave a lot, but percentagewise was a pittance. We don't have to do everything. We aren't expected to do everything right the first time. We don't need to socialize when we don't feel like it (This is a big one for me). Just because I feel that it's polite or proper, I'm not a bad person because I'm not up to it. As long as we are doing what is commanded of us, we're doing alright. We don't need to be perfect yet, we just need to be trying our best. When He said "It is not requisite that man run faster than he has strength" he was talking about this. Yes, we should keep running in a forward direction, but just because we cannot do everything perfectly does not mean that we should beat ourselves up over it. I don't know if that would make any sense to anyone other than me, but it was written mostly for me anyways.


It's a loud family gathering
Lots of fun, and food, and people I love
Children scream with laughter, brothers wrestle, sisters show off their new babies
All crowded into a room to sing
I feel claustrophobic
I hide
I feel alone

Walking down a college hallway
People studying quietly
Some sit in couples, some with babies
Good friends beckon me to join them
I feel awkward; I decline
I hide
I feel alone

Sitting in my bedroom
Familiar pictures and books line the walls
My favorite blanket wrapped around my shoulders
I hear laughter from the room next door
I consider going to join them, I decide against it
I hide
I feel alone

In a classroom with 63 classmates
We discuss music and the gospel
All around me, students contribute to the discussion
They all seem so much more intelligent than I am
I avoid making eye contact with anyone
I hide
I feel alone

Doing a presentation in front of a class
I know the material well, so I present the information accurately and clearly
I talk too fast
I finish too early
I sit down and keep my head down, so I don't have to see the looks on my classmates' faces
I hide
I feel alone

Laying on my back in a grassy field at the nearby park
Stars shine above me
Hymns of gratitude come to my mind
God's great majesty is displayed before my eyes
I know that the Lord loves me
I don't need to hide
I'm never alone, for God is with me always

When I'm with family I do not have to participate in every activity
That is not what God requires of me
If I do my best, and open my heart, God will help me

When I am with my friends I do not have to join them if I'm not feeling up to it
That is not what God requires of me
If I do my best, and open my heart, God will help me

When I am alone I'm allowed to enjoy that alone time, I do not have to be where the party is
That is not what God requires of me
If I do my best, and open my heart, God will help me

When I'm surrounded with people and am feeling intimidated I do not have to say the best and smartest things
That is not what God requires of me
If I do my best, and open my heart, God will help me

When I don't do something perfectly, I do not need to feel judged by those around me
That is not what God requires of me
If I do my best, and open my heart, God will help me

When I am seeing the majesty of God, I do need to be grateful and acknowledge his hand in all things
This is what God requires of me
If I do my best, and open my heart, God will help me