change in perspective

It's interesting how changes in your health can alter your perspective. Normally, I consider a good day to be one where I am able to be 150% effective. I wake up early, work for a few hours, volunteer in the community, get way more homework done than necessary, clean the house, exercise, make an awesome dinner, and still have time for pleasure reading. However, since I've been rather sick lately, I've had quite a change in perspective. I realized this yesterday around 6:00 p.m., when I triumphantly realized that I had kept a grilled cheese sandwich "down."

That was my big accomplishment for the day.

It's funny how feeling woozy can change your perception of what is important. Once I feel better, I'll probably take my health for granted again.

wisdom

I've been thinking a lot lately about what it means to be "wise" in the scriptures. In some places, we are warned about the dangers of "thinking" that you are wise. Being involved in graduate school and the world of academia has really made me realize how dangerous it is to "think" that you are wise. I also have had a recent experience which has made me think a lot about true wisdom in relation to the gospel.

In the scriptures, it seems like there are also two definitions of the word "wise" right in the scriptures. The first definition of "wise" is a lot like the idea of "thinking" that you are wise - they are the people who are puffed up in their learning, wisdom, etc. (see 2 Nephi 9:42). It is explained here that these people must come down in the depths of humility or the Lord will not open the door to them.

Only the people who consider themselves as "fools before God" will be let in - which the Lord defines as true wisdom in the following verse (2 Nephi 9:43). These people are "wise and prudent," and the happiness which is prepared for them will be hidden from those that are puffed up in wisdom.

I never had connected wisdom with humility before. I have thought of wisdom in regards to prudence, temperance, and true knowledge, but I never had thought about humility. I don't know why I hadn't made the connection before, because I often think of humility as an opposite to "prideful wisdom." Therefore, it makes sense to me that humility should be part of true wisdom - in order for an individual to be truly wise, he must accept that he does not know everything, nor can he figure everything out. The logic and mind of God is far beyond the capacity of our mortal minds. We can only hope to one day attain that full knowledge and understanding.

disappointed by David Letterman

I've attached below an email that I sent to CBS regarding David Letterman's interview of Paris Hilton last Friday. If you want to see the interview, click here.

To Whom it May Concern:

I am writing to express my disappointment and disgust at the way Paris Hilton was interviewed by David Letterman last week. It was obvious in the interview that Miss Hilton was invited onto the show to be ridiculed by Mr. Letterman's sarcastic questions regarding her jail experience. I felt that Mr. Letterman's refusal to stop pummeling Miss Hilton with questions regarding her time in jail was also rude and inconsiderate. Listening to the studio audience's howls of laughter during the interview showed me how distanced the American public is from common decency and respect. It obviously isn't right for the media to defame celebrities "behind their back," but it is even more appalling when television invites individuals onto their broadcast with the intention of mocking, scorning, and scoffing at the individual directly.

Although I do not support the actions of Miss Hilton, I feel that the exploitation of her life and experiences on Mr. Letterman's show were inappropriate. Not only has this experience made me decide to stop viewing the Late Night Show, it also has shown me that I do not want to be a person who laughs at people that make mistakes. Located in a country that was founded on Christian principles and behavior, I find that the American media should promote the idea that "pure charity is never glad when others go wrong" (1 Corinthians, chapter 13, Moffatt translation). Even for people who are not Christian in their belief, the idea of mutual respect should be an integral and fundamental part of any functional society. Instead of derailing and satirizing the guests on his show, I find that Mr. Letterman should uphold the principle of mutual respect in his interviews, since he has the opportunity to be a role model for the American public.

Thank you for your time, etc.