# PonderIt

## Monday, March 07, 2005

### Should I Be a Belgian Lawyer?

Today is, thus far, the only day in my life I have ever wished I were a European lawyer. I read the Times and Seasons account of the legal difficulties faced by a young girl in Belgium (Adelbert Denaux Alessia) (link formatted to aid search aggregation) and I wished with all my heart that there were something I could do to have a larger effect in the world than in my own little sphere of influence. It is a desire to truly help, not some visions-of-grandeur thing.
I've talked with my wife many times about someday living somewhere where our talents could really make a difference to a community. Living on the Wasatch Front as we do, we are surrounded by strong members of the church. While our contributions are valuable and we derive great joy by our participation, I wonder if the Lord hopes we'll reach out and do something more.
On my mission in Oklahoma, I sometimes sensed little bits of resentment from members who had lived in the area all their life, when a "Utah Mormon", usually with a BYU background, was placed in a position of responsibility. I wouldn't want to be in a position where people would resent me. But I want so badly to help and make a difference. My desire is powerfully tempered by the recognition of my many limitations and weaknesses.
What will be the result of these tuggings I've felt in my heart from time to time? I don't speak a foreign language; moving to Belgium and taking up the study of law probably isn't a good option. How can I use my skills to advance the work of the Lord? To me, improving the everyday lives of people is hand-in-hand with teaching the gospel. Maybe my method of reaching out will be technology related.
My goal for now is to start locally. I am sure there are people here in my own community that I could do more to help. Maybe I should be content to stay in Utah, working at a job I love at BYU, and try to be a force for good here. But still there is that tugging...
Am I confusing a desire to help on a larger scale with a desire to help in faraway places? Perhaps. Yet it seems so much "help" is available in Utah already that perhaps it is needed elsewhere in the world more.

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