There is a Physics theory called The Butterfly Effect. It is the idea that very small events (such as the imperceptible breeze caused by a butterfly flapping it’s wings) – these very small events can have large, impactful effects.
Do you believe this? Do you believe that your words, your thoughts, your actions – no matter how small – are impactful? .
In 1 Nephi 16:29 (about the Liahona) we read, “…it was written and changed from time to time, according to the faith and diligence which we gave unto it. And thus we see that by small means the Lord can bring about great things.”
D&C 64:33 we are admonished, “Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great.”
And in D&C 18:10 comes the call to “Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God.”
We are told in many places in the scriptures that great things come from small things.
When you really understand who you are, it is not difficult to resist Satan’s temptations. Then he can’t thwart the development of your true potential.
Richard G. Scott
If we think of ourselves as one piece in a big puzzle, what happens when one piece is missing? Are you noticing the missing pieces in your own life every day? How often do we say I’m not good at that? Or I just don’t have that in me? Or just a general I’m not good enough? We all feel inadequate or like we are lacking at times. In Sunday School, a couple of years ago, we were studying in the book of Isaiah. Isaiah, my friends, usually causes my mind to wander and my eyes glaze over. But, that Sunday, my mind opened and something stood out to me. In Isaiah 40:31 it says “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.” Renew their strength. It hit me – we are not incomplete – our strength is already in us. Our Heavenly Father gave us everything we would need before we were even born on this Earth. We just need to renew it.
The Lord left things unfinished so we can create and discover and cause our own Butterfly Effect. He wants us to connect the pieces in ourselves and then connect to those around us. Every soul we connect to matters. Some of us connect to a lot of pieces (like the puzzle pieces in the middle) and some of us just connect to two (like the corners). But, the number of pieces or people doesn’t matter – the worth of each is the same. Each piece is needed to create the whole!
Over the past few years, I have discovered a few ways we can discover our missing parts or renew our strength.
1) Pray! Not just in the obvious way to know your strengths. But, pray to discern, pray to know who to connect with, pray to know how to use your gifts.
2) Read about the character traits of the Savior. There will most likely be some that jump out at you or that just speak to you. Spend some time studying those and then developing them in yourself.
3) Ask someone close to you! They can often see things you might be blind to. Other people are not nearly as hard on us as we are on ourselves.
4) Read your patriarchal blessing or get it. Each time you read, things will appear or promptings will come that you hadn’t noticed before. It’s your own personal Liahona. Don’t ignore that roadmap from God!
5) Explore! Challenge yourself to learn something new. If it catches your eye, there’s probably a reason why. You might need to meet someone, someone might need to meet you. You might discover a new talent that will bless lives.
In October 2015 general conference, then Elder Nelson said:
My dear sisters, whatever your calling, whatever your circumstances, we need your impressions, your insights, and your inspiration. We need you to speak up and speak out…you sisters possess distinctive capabilities…you have received as gifts from God. Take your rightful and needful place in your home, in your community and in the kingdom of God – more than you ever have before.
Russell M. Nelson
I love how he used the term RIGHTFUL! As we do this, we walk closer to our Savior and help lead others to Him as well. Elder Nelson goes on to promise that the Lord will multiply and sanctify your efforts.
I add to His testimony my own. I know from very personal and recent experiences that He will help you step into places He is calling you to. With your strength renewed, He will help you develop your missing pieces. We can repay Him by using our gifts to help bring others to their own conversion to the Savior. Don’t deny yourself or someone else of those eternal blessings. Don’t push aside the opportunity He freely gives to become whole.
Be bold. Step into your rightful place.