Inspiration

There is a lovely story from Marjorie Pay Hinckley in her book “Small and Simple Things”. It’s a great book to keep on your nightstand, by the way, for a couple heartening thoughts at the end of a day. It has words of encouragement, even a couple recipes. Picking it up is like calling a grandmother I never knew for advice and reassurance.

Anyway, the story is about a friend who decided to learn to play the piano at the age of fifty. After a year she played a number in Relief Society. She stumbled at first but then started over and made it through without a mistake. Sister Hinckley reflected on the love they had for that sister because she had faltered so they were all pulling for her. If she had played flawlessly, they may have become defensive and made excuses for themselves rather than applauding her. “As it was, she faltered a little, and we loved her the more…I figure that if I fall a little short of what is expected of me, perhaps my sisters in the gospel will be compassionate and love me for trying.”

I’ve thought of this little anecdote often in the last couple months while looking around at the women I go to church with; especially one. (I’m not going to say who because I know it is true of many.) This is sister is imperfect. She has struggles and weaknesses, but every time I have heard her name mentioned in conversation, other women consistently say, “Oh, isn’t she wonderful!” “She is someone who inspires me so much!” “I so admire her!” and the like. I agree with them wholeheartedly!

I’m just not so inspired by perfection. It is too sterile. I’m inspired by the struggle. I’m inspired by the courage of those who are being pushed around but they just keep going! They keep trying to be their best, to help others, to love others, to live the gospel when things are tough and hope that things will get better.

Now that’s inspiring!