Day Nine

Getting Others' Thoughts (mostly imagined) Out of My Head

Today, I began studying President Faust's address on self-esteem. In one of his beginning lines, he quotes the English author Browning saying, "self-esteem is 'an itch for the praise of fools.'" 

My husband and I were laughing today as we worked out together on campus. I get so very uncomfortable any time any one comes around that could possibly see me do my best to work out. My husband said today, "maybe exercising up here regularly will be good STOP CARING WHAT OTHERS THINK." 

I also notice that I often forget what my dear Father in Heaven would have me do when I am so concerned about what others are thinking of me. 

And what is it all for?

For the "itch of the praise of fools."

Don't think I think for one second everyone else is a fool, but in the view of our All-powerful Creator and Savior, how does any of our opinions of each other hold a candle? We just are, once again, looking through glass, darkly, as Paul put it. 

My dear husband also made a good point. He commented on how I have good intentions and so even if a person were to have a mean thought about me, they will answer to God someday for that. It's not my responsibility to make 100% certain everyone I met is in absolute love with me. I can be nice and warm, but there are always going to be those who won't like me no matter what. If not everyone was or is kind to our Savior and Redeemer, why should I demand more respect than He?