Less than common sense?

Law school is cool. From 12-1 each day there are no classes held on campus. It's for something religious I think, I'm not exactly sure what tho. Anyway, I have learned to love this time because different student organizations in the law school hold little seminars and bring in speakers. But most importantly they almost always provide food and good food at that (if I'm lucky they'll have Chipotle). I went to a meeting a week or two ago that was titled something like "Morals, Faith, and Law." Being the very religious Mormon that I am, I decided it might be worth my while.

It was a fairly interesting meeting, there were 5 people of different faiths and backgrounds who just talked a little about how their religious beliefs and their careers interacted and how they reconciled the two. To be honest, I didn't learn that much. They talked about priorities, ethics, and the benefits of those in the work place. I specifically remember a couple of the panelists saying that it was important to treat everyone with respect, no matter how insignificant their position. They stated that it benefited you in the long run because you gained mutual respect and that you never know when that respect will help you out.

And I thought, duh. It all seemed like common sense to me, but then I realized that it might not be that common after all. In fact, it might be less than common sense.

While working as a server at Cafe Sabor, I realized that my job was easier and more enjoyable when I made an effort to make other people's jobs better. If I treated all my co-workers with respect they would treat me with respect as well. If I cared more about my busser and hostess than I did about myself, the easier and more enjoyable my job became. It might seem counter intunitive at first, but it is the truth. I tried to inform others about my new found understanding, but it seemed like the majority of people were only concerned with the amount of money they made. They didn't care about anyone else, they just wanted to make money. They only cared about themselves.

Don't get me wrong, this is no "I am holier than thou" type of a post cause I know that I am as just as likely as anyone to be self-centered and uncaring. This post is merely my way of trying to share what little I have learned in the hope that I can better understand myself and help someone else in the process. Because the truth is, I am happy when I forget myself and think about others. And that, I believe, is not a coincidence.

It is exactly what Christ taught us to do when he said "Follow me." Christ lived a life of true happiness. A life of worth. A life of meaning. If we want to do the same, we must follow His example and care about others more than ourselves. We must treat others as we would like to be treated. We must love one another.

These are things I have been taught since youth and on the surface they all seem simple. They all seem to be common sense. But I've come to realize that they are anything but simple or common. Being a good, caring, and loving person often goes against what the world considers "common sense." I guess that many of the things I consider common sense are a result of my upbringing. A result of the many great lessons my parents have taught me over the years. A result of the great examples I had to follow in my 5 amazing siblings. A result of some fun friends with great morals. A result of a life based on faith.

For that, I have much to be grateful for. So at this time of year, I would hope that everyone could come to gain some of what I call "common sense" and realize that forgetting yourselves and caring about others will actually benefit you. It will bring you happiness.

When we give to others, we receive more in return.

Peace.