In a Stake YW training I will never forget, about 10 years ago, a counselor from the Stake and dear friend, Sister Summers, was an avid swimmer and rock star mom. I was a young mother at the time and her story really resonated with me. She gave a scenario in our training meeting I will always remember. It went something like this:
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“Imagine you are a lifeguard sitting in a seat in a large pool. You have a mother and father who are sitting in the kiddy pool with a toddler who is walking around them and in and out of their arms. You notice they have another child, about 8 years old who is walking to the diving board, calling to the parents, “Watch me!”
Now, as a lifeguard, who is your primary focus? Who do you think is in most danger of drowning in this situation?
9 out of 10 times the toddler, who is within arms reach, will drown.
What does that teach us about our focus on the youth? Are we so focused on those who aren’t coming, who don’t show interest, that we are forgetting those within arms reach? Those who ARE coming, those who ARE showing interest. We need step back and evaluate, we desperately need to strengthen those closest to us. Whether that be, family, friend, or brother and sister in the gospel. Focus on who is there, rejoice when they come, and help strengthen their testimonies. We need to be just as excited when the “regulars” come in the door as you are for those who are “occasionals,” “sometimers” or “inactives.”
We need to remind ourselves to keep our focus and love on those close to us that want to learn, without forgetting those who are occasionally open for learning. Sometimes we need to switch our attention to those who really want to learn and who desperately need to feel love and belonging.
I’m not saying to forget those who are calling out to us, even if they don’t come often, or come at all. Keep reaching out to the ones who occasionally want to learn and grow, some might come and change into eager learners! Keep an eye on them, watch them, help them, but DON’T FORGET to help and strengthen those right in front of us. They are often the ones that need us most.”
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This beautiful analogy can be used in any life situation or any church calling even if it was a catered to the youth at the time. How close are you with your family? Are you focused on personal pursuits or work more than your children, or marriage? Elders, RS, Primary, Single Adults, Seminary, and the MANY more callings in life. Who is your focus on? Step back, evaluate and prayerfully reach out to those who need you most.
