Preparing for my talk and a new calling

I have started doing some preparation for my talk next Sunday. I have decided they must have had about 10 rejections before they got to me, and I was the only one who accepted a talk on Christmas Eve. I mean, it's not the most ideal time to be preparing for a talk and worrying about speaking in church. In addition to the usual Christmas chaos, I get to host dinner that evening at my house (which includes making the turkey, which I have never done) as well as having Austin's birthday party. Anyway, the topic is "Choose you this day whom you will serve", which I have decided is a great topic because it entails so many other things like agency, choices, discipleship, etc. I always enjoy the 'research' part of giving a talk b/c I get to read a lot of scripture related articles, etc. something that I should do more often. I came upon this quote today that I really like:

"If, however, discipleship becomes a daily duty, it genuinely helps us in developing our spiritual symmetry and character. We then have much less concern, for instance, with things of the moment. The banter in the cafeteria with peers or at the office round table with colleagues would so reflect, and, likewise, family discussions around the dinner table. We would also be much less concerned with our public image and with what “they” think, being, instead, much more concerned with having Jesus’ image in our countenance. The one-upmanship we typically see connected with intellectual prowess and other forms of prowess is opposite to what discipleship calls for. Jesus’ aim is to lift us up, not to put people down."

Neal A. Maxwell, Becoming A Disciple, June 1996 Ensign

I know I should really apply this principle in my life every day. I am WAY too concerned with what other people think of me. Not that I try to impress people with expensive handbags or cars (can't afford that anyway) but that I always worry if people like me, if they want to be my friend, if I am annoying to them, if..... whatever. Not even sure WHAT the heck I am worried about, it's just there; this concern, a need to be accepted. I like that Maxwell says we should just be concerned with having Jesus' image in our countenance. It's a reminder that the only thing that really matters is if we are following Him and doing the things we should. That should give us confidence; being righteous, making good choices, serving others, etc. Knowing who we are. It should help us to be at peace with ourselves and not worry about what others think of us. I have a hope deep down that one day I will just love myself for who I am and focus on the right things. Aren't those the type of people that we are all drawn to? They have that inner confidence, they are happy, they love others, they don't judge others. They are the type of people who LIFT others up, not put them down. They don't have to criticize others to feel good about themselves. This behavior is the opposite of what our Savior would do. I hope that I can be someone who makes others feel better about themselves. Who loves others unconditionally.

In addition to the added stress of giving a talk at Christmas, I am getting a new calling tomorrow. It really surprised me. I haven't decided what I think about it yet but I will share once I have actually been sustained. Can you guess?