Progressing at my own rate

There are always other people on the promenade. Some walk, some run, some push prams or wheelchairs, some sit on benches, some visit with friends or read – there are many kinds of activities happening there. The people are all there for different reasons, such as enjoyment, exercise, fresh air, to see the views, to spend time with family, to lose weight, to get fit, to train for a race, to be with a friend, and so on.

Those who are doing the same thing may have different styles, eg those who are running run at different speeds, wearing different types of shoes or are barefoot, and they run in different styles, some barely lifting their feet, and others lifting them high. No runner stops another runner to comment on their speed or style or shoes. No one says, “Run faster”, or “Don’t walk so slowly”. Some are handicapped, but no one criticises them. The people are all different ages. They are all moving along the promenade but not all in the same direction. Some are setting out while others are returning. I walk. Some walkers who pass me are substantially older than I am. There are babies in prams (strollers), and the elderly and handicapped in wheelchairs. They need someone to push them. Everyone is moving at their own speed and in their own style.

 As I thought about this, I wondered why people in families and wards, or friends, criticise and judge each other. Why do they want to correct others, condemn them, or remove the mote from their eyes? We are all moving, living and progressing in our own way and at our own pace. We shouldn’t criticise the way others do or don’t live the gospel. For example, we may think things like – he doesn’t keep the Sabbath holy because he goes to the shops on a Sunday, she dresses immodestly, he is a poor teacher, he doesn’t do his home teaching regularly, she doesn’t attend Relief Society, and many other critical thoughts. Just as the walkers and runners are tolerant of each other, so should we be as we each make our way along life’s path in our own way.