"You have A keen Sense of Humor
and Bring out The best In others."
and Bring out The best In others."
Well thank you. Yes I do have a keen sense of humor. Well, maybe a perceptive sense of humor, but it's all good. Sometimes it's a bit sarcastic too. But tell me fortune cookie fortune, how did you know?
So let's break down this fortune into two parts: the "keen sense of humor" part and then the the bringing "out the best in others"half.
You have a keen sense of humor . . .
Hmm. Imagine if a dull, deeply introverted person cracked their fortune cookie and that little gem was staring them in the face. It would blow their mind!
But as this is my fortune cookie fortune, I ask myself is it true of me? I would like to think so. Of course humor, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. And having a sense of humor and being funny are two different things. But here we'll consider them one and the same, just spelled differently.
You know though, it is quite possible that some of my most humorous moments have been, shall we say, somewhat unintentional. A personal philosophy I subscribe to (of course I subscribe to it, it's my personal philosophy) is that if I do something embarrassing, something that reddens my face, it most likely is temporary and maybe, just maybe, my moment of discomfort has in some way brightened the day of another. In that case, it's all good. And you know, my day at that moment is usually a bit brighter too . . . brighter red that is (rimshot). And as it stands, I have yet to sustain any debilitating injury as a result of any of my embarrassing moments.
Regardless humor is a certainly a gift and one which should be shared . . . with a certain amount of self restraint of course . . . and not at my expense.
Now truth be told, I don't go looking for the above described moments. In fact I'm attempting to follow Brian Regan's lead in that “I'm trying to get through life without looking too stupid." Most days I do better than others. At least that is my assessment. Others might not be so agreeable. And some stupid is ok I guess. But I have limits.
You bring out the best in others.
Now to the second half of this fortune: You . . . Bring out the best in others. As much as I agree with and value the first half of my fortune, it is this second half that I value most. In fact it brings me to another personal philosophy I've just recently begun trying to live. As an aspect of bringing out the best in others, I don't want to be a burden, a distraction, or an hindrance to anyone in their attempts at living a righteous, worthy, and productive life. Living day to day is hard enough on our own accord. Obstacles and pitfalls certainly ensnare the best of us. Why surround yourself with others who only demean you, or attempt to halt your happiness, and who impinge on your quest for joy? These people drain and sap your vital energy. I'm not suggesting you eliminate these people entirely from your lives. But I agree with former BYU and Philadelphia Eagle All-Pro tight end Chad Lewis in his book "Surrounding Yourself with Greatness." I'd much rather involve myself with those souls who brighten a room when they enter or can be the life of the party without seeking such attention, or even those whose testimony of life can be felt just being with them.
Seriously, look at all the amazing people in your life. Count them as you would and should count your blessings. I honestly cannot claim any accomplishment in my life (large or small) as purely my own. First and foremost, all I have and all I am is a literal reflection of God's love for me and includes the liberating power of the atonement. Secondly, I have been pushed, motivated, promoted, encouraged, carried, lifted, raised, and in some cases, kicked in the butt by those who care most for me, by those who love me, and by those who see the potential within me. I have hopefully learned from them and used this knowledge, strength, and power to be and live better.
Now then, if so many have been a boost in my life and if I can have any positive influence in the life of another . . . well how cool is that? It is not a reflection of me however. Note that. It is continued evidence of God's love for us all. We are but tools in His divine mission of love. Mere vehicles to bless the lives of those around us. That is not to say you aren't great. You are! But a humble you is always a greater you.
There is a common sentiment shared by many outdoor enthusiasts to leave your campground better than when you found it. As we come and go, as we enter and reenter the lives of many, could this notion also not apply? Should we not leave all we encounter better than when we found them . . . regardless who they are or how they've impacted our lives? Perhaps your meeting will be brief or maybe it will last a lifetime, but your influence during that period of time can leave a lasting impression, one that may be the source of hope they were looking for. As you go throughout your days, look for opportunities to serve. Seek moments where others can be edified by you. You may never know the affect you may leave on someone. Why risk leaving a negative one?
Through you God may help a lost and troubled soul see what they can't, do what they won't, and become whom they should.
Fortune Cookie Fortune #1: http://chinesefortunecookies1.blogspot.com/2013/04/you-must-learn-to-broaden-your-horizons.html
