Mirror Mirror on the Wall

Who do I admire most of all?

Well, I couldn't possibly narrow it down to a number one, and the rules for Wordful Wednesday this week say I have to list 10 (TEN!). The rules also stipulate: Besides the Savior, Heavenly Father, and your family, list ten of the most important and influential people in your life. In no particular order...

1) Good friends. You know who you are! I would love to list names but I'm afraid the post would just get too long. Suffice it to say, I would be a very sad and lonely person without my friends. From long ago to present day I have been supported and loved by people who help me be better.

2) My friends families. Does that sound wierd? But you know what? I learned alot (and continue to learn) by watching my friend's mothers, their relationships with their brothers and sisters, my friend's children, the way my friends interact with their spouses and kids, etc.

3) Sort of the same, but in a different way, are my mission companions. It was a long time ago, but, that was a very intense and growing time in my life. Some were very easy to love and I still admire them and keep in touch with them. But some were very hard, and I don't know where they are, but I got through some tough times just by serving with them.

4)I'm being very generic here, but my primary teachers and young women leaders. Let's just say, I knew I was loved and not just because they were called to love me! They went out of their way for me and it has influenced the way I try to serve in the church.

5) So, speaking of church, I suppose I can include here the prophet, the apostles, and all of the leaders here on a local level. These are good men, and they are here as inspired leaders. I have been impressed by the dedication they show. I also can include here all the wives and women serving in general presidencies of the church. I love to read their stories and hear their words!

6) Relief Society presidents. I have been blessed to serve as a counselor to 4 different presidents, and each one is so different, and so amazing in their own way. I have a LONG way to go to be even close to like them in their charity, dedication, and ability to do it all!

7) My piano teachers. Over the years I had a few. Some were scary, some weren't very good, and some were so fantastic I dream about taking lessons from them again. I've lost a lot of my skill, but there are a few hard pieces I can still sort of play thanks to them!

8) Published authors. I have a dream! And I admire people who have taken their dreams and run with them, especially the ones who are published. I don't have the energy level that I wish I did, nor the deep desire that I think I need, but I think it could be there, and I have more of an "I think I can" attitude when I think about some of these people!

9) Now this is getting hard! I am struggling not to break the rules by listing some of my family. So, how about this...Pioneers have influenced me! Just because most of my ancestors came across the plains doesn't mean I can't admire ALL of them. I will tell one short story here...I read about a woman who, one morning, woke up next to her husband who had frozen to death in the night. How she was able to ever get on with her life is a mystery to me, but also a source of inspiration. May I be as strong as those pioneers.

10) You! O.k. so maybe I know you personally or maybe I only 'know' you through blogging, but I am influenced by the things I read that are written by you. There are so many awesome stories out there of people dealing with really, really hard things...and yet just a little taste of optimism here and there really does do a body good! So, thank you for letting my blurk now and then!

***No names were harmed in the writing of this post! I just couldn't bear to narrow it down that much!***

***I talk a lot about my church leaders growing up. To learn more about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, click HERE!***