GCBC - Elder Alonso

"Doing the Right Thing at the Right Time, Without Delay"

Elder José L. Alonso

I could have guessed that this would be the title of his talk when it was printed, because this phrase was repeated several times, and that's what I remember first about his talk. I get great ideas all of the time, but sometimes that's all they are - just ideas. It's the follow-through that's important, and the sooner the better.

One new concept to me from this talk is that sometimes people don't even realize that they are lost. We need to find them anyway, especially when we know that they are lost. That's a concept that I need to spend more time pondering. How do you identify those that are lost, and how do you help them recognize that?

I also liked his comment that they didn't take the time to have a planning meeting when they realized their little boy was lost. They just started looking for him while praying fervently inside. Plans and organization are important; I find that I'm more effective when I think things through first. However, sometimes we just need to stop planning and go do. Our service doesn't have to be "perfect" to be effective. If our hearts are in the right place, and we're trying to do what the Savior would do, that's what matters most.

In addition, one of the things I've learned about service is that it isn't always convenient, and it's often unpredictable. That's something I struggle with. I'm trying to do better at being less selfish and more willing to serve others. I'm a work in process, and I guess we all are. Elder Alonso's talk was a gentle reminder to me that I need to improve in serving others, and that I need to do so without delay.

P.S. Be sure to check out others' thoughts on this talk here; they're much better than mine!