Me Thinks

We become better individuals,  more useful timber when we grow together rather than alone.

This is a statement from Elder Henry D. Taylor (1903-87). I agree with his statement and I have pondered why we become better individuals, and more useful when we grow together rather than alone.

First of all, there is a classification of sorts. Elder Taylor does not say that anytime people are together they are becoming better.  He says that as we grow together we become better.  Not all groups of people are growing together.

A Book Club meeting, quilting group, youth activity, testimony meeting, sport's game, presidency meeting, work project, session at the temple, school class, lesson, family council, even a conversation, are places of growth where individuals can become better having come together. We share, we learn, and we not only experience the activity firsthand but we think about it afterwards. Our individual backgrounds bring a web of experience and points of view to the table and we are enriched by our associations.

Individual growth is important too. I feel like the foundation of my testimony has come through personal study, prayer, pondering, and inspiration. No group activity or experience can compensate for the lack of personal worship. And yet, Elder Taylor is emphasizing the benefit of growing together.

Now to the part about becoming "more useful timber." I take this to mean that we are more useful when we have worked alongside other people, listened to their point of view, perhaps had differing opinions and worked it out, learned lessons from others, compromised, struggled, carried, rejoiced with, mourned with, followed, led, endured, and walked miles with fellow travelers. Our view opens up, our thoughts are broadened, we are less selfish and more aware. We are changed for the better as we rub shoulders with others and grow together. We are stronger and more useful.