We all have moments in life that can change us forever. Somehow we’re never quite the same after certain experiences. And more often than not, such pivotal moments can be relatively simple and small.
In the late 19th century, a young American of Scottish descent traveled to Scotland to live and work for a number of years. The work was difficult, the hours long, the discouragements frequent. During his time in Scotland, far away from his beloved home and family, he had occasion to spend a day touring the magnificent Stirling Castle in the countryside near Glasgow.
Later that evening, he happened to notice an inscription chiseled in the stone arch over the front door of a house: “What E’er Thou Art, Act Well Thy Part.” The message penetrated the young man’s heart. Invigorated and renewed, he determined to “act well his part.”1
He later returned to America and went on to become a great leader, revered by all who knew him. His discovery of an old Scottish proverb was a turning point in his life. The simple message, “What E’er Thou Art, Act Well Thy Part,” became his personal motto. He never forgot its challenge to always do his best, whatever the task.
We all have such pivotal moments, if we just recognize them. They often come unexpectedly, when we’re struggling or discouraged, when we need them most. We suddenly notice something we haven’t seen before. It sparks a new insight that inspires us and motivates us. We discover a new resolve to do better and to be better. We change forever in that moment. And for the rest of our lives we look back to that moment for strength and inspiration.
1 See Francis M. Gibbons, David O. McKay: Apostle to the World, Prophet of God (1986), 44–45.
Program #3992
Musical Selection:
1. Rejoice, the Lord Is King
Malcolm Archer; orch. Nathan Hofheins; Kevin Mahhew Ltd.
2. Lift Thine Eyes from Elijah
Felix Mendelssohn; G. Schirmer
3. He Watching Over Israel from Elijah
Felix Mendelssohn; G. Schirmer
4. The Prince of Denmark’s March (organ solo)
Jeremiah Clarke; arr. John Longhurst; Unpublished
5. All Through the Night
Welsh Melody; arr. Mack Wilberg; Unpublished
6. Spoken Word
7. Highland Cathedral
Traditional; arr. Chad Steffey; Unpublished
8. Rejoice and Be Merry
Traditional English Tune; arr. mack Wilberg; Unpublished