A Letter

I’d only been in Saint George a short time when a Relief Society lesson hit me right in the heart strings.
Jess was teaching about serving others and how we should look for ways to make life easier for those
around us. Near the end of the lesson she passed out pieces of paper and pens. “Write a letter to someone.
Write down some words of encouragement, express gratitude. Make this meaningful and then give this
letter to them sometime this week, okay?”

I didn’t write to anyone in particular.. I think that I needed to write a letter to myself that I could read
over and over again. This letter shows my weakness. But through it that weakness has been
acknowledged and I’ve been able to work on it. Because I did not follow instructions and give this
letter to someone else, it has blessed my life. It has provided me an opportunity to grow. Because of it
I’ve been able to battle my pride head first. And miracles have happened because of it. I had to wait a
long time for these miracles to come forth, but they have been oh so worth it!

The letter reads:

“Hey you :)

Guess what?! God loves you, imperfections and all! He is always there for you. Whether you
recognize it or not.

One thing that I’m currently working on (maybe you can relate…) is accepting help from
others - whether it be a compliment, positive feedback, help carrying groceries, or a shoulder
to cry on. I need them all, but I’m usually too prideful to admit it. That’s not healthy, or how
I want my life to be.

So, today, I resolve to do better and be better. Not only will I accept help, I will ask for help
when I need it, AND I will seek out opportunities to serve and love others

EVERY chance I get.

Thanks for reading (‘listening’)

<3 Denali”

Wow. Y’all, that was AMAZING!!!!

Have you ever had something from your past influence you in such a way?! I am glad that I kept that
letter for myself, but I’m even more grateful that I’ve found it a few times over the past year and
evaluated how I was doing with my goal. When I wrote that I had no idea how influential that letter
would become in my life.

Love,

D. J. Lathrop