Over the past month I have really been thinking about the
importance of a name. In the dictionary,
the definition of a name is “A word or set of words by which a person is
addressed or referred to”. Having a name distinguishes us from everyone else.
Your name is so much more than something you are called. It is part of your
identity in this world. When people hear your name, they remember how you act,
what your personality is, and how you have made them feel in the past.
In my life I go by a couple names. The first is my given
name, Chelsea. This is what most people know me by. It is on by ID, my birth
certificate, and I put it on every one of my class assignments. The second name
I am known by is Sox. Anyone associated with Brighton know me by this name.
While working at Brighton Camp, every staff member has a
nickname that they go by and the campers don't get to find out our real names
until Fridays. Our camp names become a part of us in ways that cannot be
explained. This name follows you the rest of your life. Whenever you are around
the staff either at camp or just hanging out at home you go by this name. At
home my name is Chelsea, but as soon as my feet hit the camp grounds my name is
Sox and I rarely reply to my real name.
This year I have noticed that I am two different people with
these names. When I am Chelsea, I think more about myself. I worry about my future, my achievements, my
challenges, my education, etc. My
thoughts are focused a little more on worldly things and most of my actions are
done so I can be successful. I am reserved, quiet, and more aware of what
others think about me. But, when I am Sox, everything I do is for others. I
think about others' needs, their
problems, their successes, their challenges, etc. As soon as I
wake up in the morning, I pray that I will help everyone in need and I will be
able to be an instrument in the Lord's hands. I completely forget about myself
and my silly little problems and I do everything in my power to be there for
anyone who is in need of help. Sometimes I even forget to eat or sleep because
I am trying so hard to focus on others. I am also much more crazy and
outgoing. I don’t care what others think about me and I am quicker to act on
promptings.
When camp comes to an end each summer, I have a hard time
making “Sox” and “Chelsea” one person. In a world that is so individualistic I
find myself becoming a little more focused on unnecessary things of this world.
I suddenly start to care what others think of me. My guard and those walls I
spent all summer knocking down are built again within a matter of days. So, how
do I make the fun, outgoing “Sox” become one with the quiet, reserved “Chelsea”?
It’s been three years since I started working at camp and I am still finding
the answer to this question.
Here are the answers that I have found… I have changed.
Every summer that has come to a close has changed me for the better. I have found
that confidence to walk out of a conversation that I don’t agree with, I have
found the blessings in standing strong for my values and I am not afraid to
turn off that movie with my friends or to switch the radio station. I know how
it feels to have the spirit with me at all times and I strive harder and harder
each year to keep that feeling with me every minute of every day. I am more
diligent in my scripture study. I often lose track of time as I read and ponder
the words in the Book of Mormon and in conference talks. “Chelsea” and “Sox”
are becoming one, it just takes a lot of time and a lot of work.
In a world that is changing so fast, I know that I have been
prepared to serve in this world a little better than I did the day before. I
know that as I continue to strive to be the person I am at camp that I am
slowly improving. It is not a quick process and I am sure most people don’t
notice, and most of the time I don’t notice the change in myself, but I know
that the Lord notices and He is helping me become better and better every day.
Friends, I urge you to continue to strive to be your best
self. “Try a little harder, to be a little better” (President Hinckley). Pray
daily to be better than you were the day before. I promise that the Lord sees
your efforts and as long as you are doing your best, He will help you with the
rest.
Until next time
