Lift where you stand

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf said in one of his conference talks "Brethren, stand close together and lift where you stand." What an incredible phrase and challenge. Do we have the courage to stand close together and lift? Some would say no-however, I say yes! I feel that each of us has the ability to rise to our best selves and meet this challenge which President Uchtdorf has issued to all of us. For as long as I can remember, I have always set a very high standard for myself. So high, that often I cannot reach it. In a way, I try to lift the piano, or in other words, every challenge and trial myself. This is no way to do things! I have learned that life is much easier once you allow others to get close and lift along with you. The simple yet profound statement "stand close together and lift where you stand", is a concept which can be applied to almost every aspect of life. I love the example of the 2,000 stripling warriors used by President Uchtdorf. He explains that we cannot name any of them as individuals, however as a group, they are remembered for honesty, courage, and their willingness to serve. These three traits that are vital to leadership. From the phrase, I realize that we cannot do everything alone- nor should we. We have been given the incredible blessings of friendship, communication, and leadership-let us all use them to the best of our ability. At times we may be down trodden and even beaten by the hardships of life, but why must that have such reign and influence on our day to day conduct? I say it doesn't have to. We have a loving Heavenly Father that is willing to stand close to us and lift- Its up to us to let him (and others around us) help us lift our burdens, trials, and challenges. We all have gifts and a purpose in this life. I strongly feel that the only way to discover them is to do as President Uchtdorf challenged- "stand close together and lift where you stand."