Life, in its vast expanse, is a continuous curriculum. From our earliest years, we are students in the school of experience, constantly learning and evolving. These formative years, in particular, lay the groundwork for the individuals we become. Reflecting on these pivotal moments often reveals the most profound and enduring lessons. This exploration delves into some of these essential life lessons, emphasizing how they shape our character and guide our journey.
The Indelible Mark of Early Lessons
The tapestry of our lives is woven with threads of countless experiences. Gratitude for blessings and opportunities often leads to a deeper appreciation for the foundational years of our lives. It’s during youth that many life-altering moments occur, forging our character and charting our destiny. These lessons are not merely fleeting pieces of information; they are the cornerstones upon which we build our future selves. Without them, our paths and our very beings would be fundamentally different.
Keeping Your Eye on the Ball: The Power of Focus
One vivid lesson comes from the gridiron, a high school football field where the stakes felt incredibly high. Facing a formidable opponent, the challenge was clear: block a giant of a linebacker or become open for a pass. The memory of one particular game is etched in time, primarily due to the sheer size of the opposing player. He was a mountain of a man, especially intimidating without today’s advanced protective gear. The realization that a direct hit could lead to a lengthy stay in the hospital was sobering and instantly heightened focus.
Speed became the strategy for survival, and for a while, it worked. Avoiding the giant was the primary objective, until one play changed everything. The quarterback prepared to pass; I was open. The ball spiraled through the air, heading my way. Simultaneously, the thunderous sound of heavy footsteps approached rapidly from behind. A split-second calculation flashed through my mind: catching the ball could mean severe consequences. Yet, the ball was coming, and the team depended on it. Reaching out, eyes fixed on the prize, the looming figure of the giant linebacker filled my vision at the last possible moment.
The ball met my hands, a brief moment of possession before the world exploded. The sound of the ball hitting the ground was followed by an impact that blurred reality. Amidst the disorientation, a deep voice rumbled through the haze: “Serves you right for being on the wrong team.” It was Coach Oswald, a figure of immense influence, employing unconventional motivational techniques reminiscent of a drill sergeant.
During halftime, Coach Oswald’s focus was laser-sharp, directed squarely at the dropped pass. In a voice that resonated across the field, he demanded, “How could you do that?” The question hung in the air, heavy with disappointment. Summoning the courage to be honest, the simple truth emerged: “I took my eye off the ball.”
The coach’s response was immediate and impactful: “That’s right; you took your eye off the ball. Don’t ever do that again. That kind of mistake loses ball games.” Despite the sting of the public correction, respect for Coach Oswald and a commitment to self-improvement took root. The vow was made: never again would focus waver, even in the face of overwhelming opposition.
Returning to the field for the second half, the game remained tight. Down by four points in the crucial final quarter, the tension was palpable. Then, my number was called. Once more, I ran the route, and once more, I found open space. The ball was thrown, but this time, the giant linebacker was directly in the path, poised for an interception. He leaped, but the ball sailed just beyond his reach. Focus remained unwavering, eyes locked on the ball as I jumped, snagged it in mid-air, and secured the game-winning touchdown.
The ensuing celebration was a blur, but the look on Coach Oswald’s face was unforgettable. “Way to keep your eye on the ball,” he acknowledged, a simple phrase that carried immense weight and validation. The lesson was profound: unwavering focus and persistent dedication are crucial for achieving goals. Distractions are inevitable, but maintaining focus on what truly matters is paramount. Prioritizing values and keeping “your eye on the ball” in life, as in football, leads to success.
Image of a football player catching a ball, focused and determined.
Alt text: Focused football player makes a game-winning catch, illustrating the life lesson of maintaining focus on goals.
Integrity Under Pressure: Choosing the Right Path
Another pivotal lesson emerged from the same football field, this time at the bottom of a pile of players during the Rocky Mountain Conference championship game. The play was designed for a run up the middle, aiming for a go-ahead touchdown. Plunging into the line, the goal line felt agonizingly close, just inches away. Pinned beneath a mass of bodies, a subtle reach forward confirmed it: two inches separated the ball from the goal line.
Temptation arose instantly and intensely. A slight push, imperceptible in the chaos, could secure the touchdown and hero status. The dream of such a moment, nurtured since childhood, was within grasp. But then, the quiet voice of my mother echoed in my memory: “Joseph, do what is right, no matter the consequence. Do what is right and things will turn out OK.”
The desire to score was immense, but the desire to be worthy in my mother’s eyes was greater. The ball remained untouched, two inches short of the goal line. In that moment, a defining principle solidified. While moving the ball might have brought fleeting glory, the cost to integrity would have been too high, leaving an indelible mark on the conscience. Choosing the right path, even when difficult, became the only true option.
The Light of Christ, that inner compass, guides us in discerning right from wrong. Temptation clouds this guidance, making decisions challenging when conscience is ignored. The lesson learned was to react swiftly and decisively to temptation, a firm and immediate “No!” Avoiding temptation altogether is the most effective strategy.
The Joy of Service: Looking Outward
Beyond personal achievements and moral choices, another crucial lesson emerged: the profound joy of service to others. Following the example of my father, a bishop in our ward, involved loading a wagon with food and supplies and delivering them to families in need. This wasn’t an isolated act of kindness but a reflection of a broader principle of community care.
Bishop William F. Perschon, of the Pioneer Stake Fourth Ward, embodied this principle of service. An immigrant with a deep commitment to his community, Bishop Perschon instilled the value of service in the Aaronic Priesthood bearers under his care. Their motto, recited weekly, was simple yet powerful: “Priesthood means service; bearing the priesthood, I will serve.”
This was not mere rhetoric. Bishop Perschon and the young men of the Aaronic Priesthood were actively involved in service, assisting widows, building chapels, and working on welfare farms. His dedication to service extended beyond his local ward, influencing future leaders like Thomas S. Monson, and impacting the establishment of the first overseas temple in Bern, Switzerland, during his mission presidency.
Bishop Perschon’s legacy is one of compassion and tireless service. His influence was profound, with many of the young men he mentored going on to become leaders themselves. This illustrates the transformative power of service, both for those who receive it and those who give.
Image of people helping others, perhaps in a community service setting.
Alt text: Group of people engaged in community service, highlighting the life lesson of the joy and impact of serving others.
The Gift of Obedience: Heeding Wise Counsel
These formative lessons, and countless others learned during youth, formed the bedrock upon which life’s subsequent chapters were built. We are all endowed with spiritual gifts, and one particularly valuable gift is an obedient spirit. Heeding wise counsel from parents and leaders, internalizing it, and acting upon it is a pathway to wisdom.
The Savior’s teachings underscore this principle: “whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man… And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man.” Obedience to inspired counsel is the true measure of wisdom.
Listening to wise counsel without heeding it is futile. Experience without learning is wasted. Scriptures unheeded are of little value. President Gordon B. Hinckley’s promise resonates deeply: Heavenly Father blesses those who walk in obedience to His commandments.
Conclusion: A Life Rich in Lessons
Life’s journey is indeed a school, and every experience, a lesson. From the football field to acts of service, from moments of temptation to heeding wise counsel, these formative experiences shape our character and guide our path. Setting righteous goals, striving for integrity, serving others with compassion, and cultivating an obedient spirit are timeless principles that enrich our lives and lead to true fulfillment.
May we all strive to set meaningful goals, act with integrity, extend love and service to those around us, and embrace the wisdom found in life’s invaluable lessons. This journey of learning is continuous, and with each lesson learned, we grow stronger, wiser, and more aligned with our true potential.
References
- Henry David Thoreau, as quoted in “Life’s Lessons Learned,” Ensign, May 2007, 46.
- “Life’s Lessons Learned,” Ensign, May 2007, 47.
- Matthew 7:24, 26.
- Gordon B. Hinckley, as quoted in “Life’s Lessons Learned,” Ensign, May 2007, 47.
