Choosing The Better Part

How exactly does one go about choosing "the better part"? In a world where no one is perfect, where mistakes are made, and where choices abound, how? How does a person decide? How does one choose "the better part"? What is right or better for one may not be better for another: so advice is hard to take on such matters. The better part is important to us. It is needed so that we can stay on the right path, so that we can be happy, and even so that we can have the spirit to be with us. So again I ask- how is "the better part" decided on and then acted on? More specifically, how do you judge in other people who or what would be your better part?

We have been taught not to expect perfection but also not to settle for anything less than the best. So how do we reconcile those two thoughts and teachings with each other? Do people not deserve a second chance? Does the guy who has been down life's hardest roads not deserve a good and caring partner in this life just as the man who has never taken that path does? A chance to be better and to strive for more?

So answer this: which is worse? The guy who attends every week and passes the sacrament but has not zest for the gospel of Jesus Christ, no passion, no real strength. Or the guy who has stumbled and fallen, who has had a very hard life and who hasn't risen above yet, but who is striving for it and who is very sincere?

Yet, who wants to take that risk on an imperfect and ever-changing human being? That chance that they won't change or won't rise above? It is a scary thought.

Which is the better part? What is the better part? I realize that people are supposed to do things in a certain order- but is it possible that for some people it is better for them to do things on a different path? Is it possible that this woman or that man isn't supposed to follow the traditional path but to forage a new one and to do their best on that path?

I know many woman who ask this question and who are struggling with this topic/idea. I haven't any idea how to answer them.

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, the oldest living apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died at 11:30 p.m. Monday at the age of 91.

Elder Wirthlin's son Joe said Elder Wirthlin had gone to bed at his Salt Lake City home, and died peacefully of causes incident to age. His oldest daughter, Jane Wirthlin Parker, was present. A member of the family had been staying and caring for Elder Wirthlin, whose wife, Elisa Young Rogers Wirthlin, died two years ago.

The release said Elder Wirthlin had continued to work at his office right up until the Thanksgiving holiday. Funeral arrangements are pending.

Elder Wirthlin's last major public appearance was at the church's most recent semi-annual general conference in October, when he shared an address many church members have since used in lessons and as a guide in dealing with personal challenges. Titled "Come What May and Love It," he spoke of a challenge after his football team lost a tough game.

Ironically, I've been thinking about Elder Wirthlin a lot lately. On Sunday we had a combined Relief Society and Priesthood meeting about his most recent talk. It was fabulous and full of good messages. He'll be missed. I love that wonderful, sweet man.