Won't you be my neighbor?

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man
stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit
belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust
and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and
again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does
actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great
devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in
the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at
least he fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those
cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”-Theodore Roosevelt

If you look really hard, somewhere in the quote above you will find the word of the day. Devotion. I was walking to work this morning - you know winter is upon us when New Yorkers bust out the fur coats - when that word popped into my head, and set the theme for my day. It's this word that exudes power and intensity, unrelenting commitment. When paired with a good thing, you can't go wrong with devotion. Mother Teresa was devoted to caring and helping the poor and needy. What am I devoted to?

Someone in church last Sunday spoke on the importance of temple work, and he said, if you believe in the immortality of our souls then you have to believe in the importance of temple work. Valid point. Am I devoted to temple work? Absolutely!! Starting today. 2012 Goal No. 4, attend the temple once a month, at least.

As a side note, I was sitting waiting for the subway this morning and thinking about what other people are devoted to, what their interests are. It got me thinking: if you could have one room in your dream house devoted just to you, what would be in it? My dad technically has two rooms in our house, an office and what I affectionately call the "toy room," as it houses cars, motorcycles, snowmobile, crossbows, tools; the modern day man's playground. On the walls are posters signed by famous skiers, surfers, etc. And in the corner is a TV so that while he is puttering around in his play room, he can catch up on sports. That's his play room. What would my room look like? What would your room look like?

I picture interior decorators cringing in horror as I think about what I'd want. Giant windows, I have an obsession with light and scenic views. It would be a cross between a library and a workout room. Walls lined with the classic tales by Jane Austen, Twain, Dickens and then books like "The Dummies Guide to Gardening," French and German textbooks, and crossword puzzles. I'd have a giant puzzle table. Then, since Elle Woods (Legally Blonde) proved that both studying and exercising can go hand in hand, I'd have a treadmill. And a giant TV with ESPN sportscenter on all day long. I have never run better than when I watch sports games, it's almost as if THEIR hardships on the court/field inspire ME to push harder as well! I sweat while they sweat, ok you get the picture. The Economist would be featured prominently on a magazine rack. Next to Cooking Light. In another corner, a sewing machine. I wasn't actually going to commit to this but ok, 2012 goal No. 5!; sew a quilt. It's been on my list of things to do for a while. On a big couch facing the TV, my needlepoint stocking waiting for me to work on. A giant iMac desktop screen would be positioned on a table somewhere. A massive stereo. For Zumba sessions and feel-good dancing. Finally, a ping pong table, pool table, and basketball shooting game. Placed somewhere in the room, (yes I know the room would need to be gigantic, this is pretend remember?!) because I love competition and winning. And that's my play room...which coincidentally sums up my ride to work today.

Selfish detour over, the other part of devotion, which is more important than a devotion to things (see above, for reference) is a devotion to people. Right. Mr. Roger's neighborhood was one of my favorite shows with that catchy phrase "Won't you be my neighbor?" Who am I devoting myself to? Hopefully my family and close friends. But I'm afraid I judge far too quickly as to who is worthy of my devotion. I should be devoting myself to my fellow relief society sisters, all of them. To my ward members. To my fellow country men. Everyone is my neighbor. Maybe they've been waiting for me to reach out, make an effort, show that I care because I'm their neighbor!! Maybe not. Either way, 2012 Goal No. 6, perform at least two acts of service each week. People may not remember what you said or even what you did, but they will always remember how you made them feel. I can devote myself to making people feel good.

Recap of 2012 Goals:
No. 1: You want it, you get it, take responsibility for your life!
No. 2: BOM 2x this year; one church talk each week
No. 3: Gym time 4x a week
No. 4: Temple once a month-at Least
No. 5: Sew a quilt/Finish needlepoint stocking
No. 6: Two acts of service each week-make people feel good about themselves!