Potential: Mining the depths?

I have been thinking a lot about potential.  To what degree are we utilitzing our innate, God-given potential?  Are we mining clear to the depths, exploring every possibility, stretching and building every muscle?  Or are we merely skimming the surface, making do with the acceptable, leaving untapped the most valuable resources of all?

Honestly, the impetus for this train of thought has sprung from my son, Robert.  Naturally as his mother I have always considered him a wealth of brilliance, talent, skill, and of course, boundless potential.  And he has never let me down.  I have seen in him qualities of a great leader, a great scholar, a great musician.  While becoming a great missionary, a great husband, and a great father, he continues to cultivate those gifts that are unique to him.

During our last visit with him and his family, he overwhelmed us with an overview of his future aspirations.  I always expected great things from him, but he has set his sights even higher than they've ever been.  The sky is not the limit for this man; he truly seems to be shooting for the stars, setting goals that will stretch himself to perform, to lead, to tackle great challenges.

My counsel to my son?  Go for it!  You take the gifts you have been given and stretch them to their very limits, and then watch them grow even more.  I have felt from the beginning of your life that you are destined for greatness.

President Gordon B. Hinckley would give you this counsel:

‎"The Lord would want you to be successful. He would. You are His sons and His daughters. He has the same kind of love and ambition for you that your earthly parents have. They want you to do well and you can do it."

Don't stop believing in yourself, nor in giving credit where it is due, that being your Father in Heaven.  All blessings come from Him.  Determine to serve Him and He will help you always.