“Kind words and good manners will cost you nothing and will add greatly to the happiness of those around you.” — Wilford Woodruff. 

I came across this quote as a teenager and it impacted me in a life changing way. It caused me to think of my own motto to live the rest of my life by — P.A.M.I.T.T.  “People are more important than time, things, title, etc.” 

I tried to practice prioritizing the person in front of me over selfish endeavors. And in doing this, I actually found myself. What I initially thought was an expense of my time and pursuits, was actually given back to me tenfold.  Mark 8:35 says, “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.” I believe that giving time and consideration to others is a way of losing your life for Christ’s sake.

By practicing this principle and motto, I became a better listener, I was able to make deeper friendships and to make a connection that led to a job that got me through college and provided opportunities for personal growth in the workplace. I learned self control and discipline, I gained compassion and understanding for people in different circumstances, I was able to be a peacemaker in my home, I learned of different cultures and people’s interests that were different than my own which made me a more cultured and well-rounded individual. And I felt of God’s love for me as I developed that love for others.

I will admit that I haven’t been the best at practicing this motto into adulthood, but I’m so grateful for the trajectory it put me on in my teen years.  Now, in a world of division, there is no better time to have this reminder to prioritize and love the individual in front of me and to be a peacemaker.  Christ was the perfect example of this. 

When the woman caught in adultery was brought before Him, He had compassion for her. He was put in an uncomfortable position, but despite the law and despite the others around them wanting Him to condemn her, He was kind and invited all there to be kind and understanding as well. When He was walking through the city on His way to heal another person, He was touched by a woman seeking healing from Him from her issue of blood. He stopped and gave her His time even though He had other places to be.

Jesus Christ gave us this invitation in John 13:34-35 “A new commandment I give unto you. That ye love one another as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.  By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” If we love Him, we should take care of and love each other.  It will bring happiness to those around us at no expense of our own, and will actually bless our lives immensely.

Alicia Black was raised in Huntsville, Ut.  She went to Utah State University and studied U.S. History. She is married to Sheldon Black and together they have a 2 year old son, Benson.