Becoming One

 

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