What I Learned from My Grandmother
安娜·科佩爾/Anna Kopel
Two years ago, my grandma left this earth.It wasn’t until after she died that I truly recognized how much she actually meant to me.She was my friend, my teacher, my inspiration.She taught me things that became my own personal laws of life.They are lessons that have helped me get through each day with a smile.They are lessons that have made me aware of my strong points as well as my weaknesses, and helped me to overcome those weaknesses.They are true lessons to live by, and I hope I will never forget them.
One day, my grandma told me something I will always remember.She said:“Your talent is God’s gift to you.What you do with it is your gift to God.”
Those words have somewhat become a part of me over the years.Each day I thank God for the many talents He has given me, and I try to use those talents in a way which helps me grow closer to Him.I believe that we were all born to reveal the glory of God that is within us.It’s not just in some of us, it is in everyone.And as we each let our own light shine, through our talents and ideas, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same.Just think about what our world could be like if each and every one of us let our own light shine through.I think our world would be a much better place, growing together the way God intended.
One more lesson my grandma taught me was to always go for my dreams and never, ever give up.She once told me:“Shoot for the moon, because even if you fall, you’ll land among the stars.”
I have never heard anything more true in all my life.I have tried to live by these words, and have figured out that it is very important to go for your dreams and never let anything get in your way.Even if you have had a bad experience in the past, never limit your view of life by that experience.I believe that life is constantly testing our level of commitment, and I am convinced life’s greatest rewards are reserved for those who show a never-ending commitment to act until they achieve.This level of determination can accomplish amazing things, but it must be continual and consistent.As simple as this may sound, it is still the common denominator separating those who live their dreams from those that live in regret.