*Today at church I was reminded by a newly returned missionary of how blessed we are to have the Book of Mormon. It has only been on earth in the form it is now for 200 years. I personally get so much strength and information and comfort and moments of spiritual awareness from it. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to know more about Jesus Christ from it. What am I doing to let others have the same gift?
It was a delight.
*Today at church we celebrated Mother's Day. I'm grateful that I've never had negative feelings about this day, as many other sisters do, but I do understand why it's hard for some. I am grateful for the desire and ability to mother, for both my own children and for others I associate with, and for all those that step up to mother my children, too, as their teachers, advisors, and mentors. Benson sang "I Often Go Walking" with the Primary for the last time--it's the last time I'll have one of my children singing on Mother's Day as a Primary kid. After the first half of Primary (when I taught my class), we ladies were excused to the Relief Society Room for fruit, cupcakes, and visiting. (Ben and Scott covered Primary music time. ☺) It was a nice morning.
*A couple sisters after church gave me Mother's Day hugs, and they were very appreciated.
It was a delight!
*Today in church we had Fast and Testimony Meeting. It was SO GOOD. Scott was with us for his first Sunday back from college, and it was his birthday (yay!), and I had a new hair cut (finally!). I had a few moments of a mini pity party, but was able to talk myself out of it. Our Bishopric does a great job of reminding us each week that the main reason we are at church is to take the Sacrament, and that was a highlight.
*Today one sister shared a story that happened with her kids. Her daughter (7) asked if she could have a protein shake. My friend was hesitant to give one to her, since the protein powder is expensive, and the daughter has a history of not liking the taste of it. Her daughter really, really wanted one, though, so she promised that if she didn't drink it all, she wouldn't listen to audio books for a week. Apparently she listens to the books non-stop almost all day, and they're really important to her. So her mom agreed and fixed her a shake. A couple hours later, her mom found the shake on the kitchen counter, barely touched. She was upset about the waste, but more upset that she was now going to have to follow through with the no audio book arrangement, which would be very hard for both of them. She left to do something else, and a little while later came back to find her son (one of my 4 year old preschoolers) chugging down the now warm protein shake. She was surprised, because she knew her son didn't like the taste of protein shakes either, so she asked him what he was doing. He said, "I didn't want (sister) to have to give up her audio books, so I'm drinking the shake for her." He is the sweetest kid. My friend said that her husband pointed out that this is how it works with our Savior. He gives us the mercy in the justice situation. He covers for us when we lack. He shows us love when we have chosen another path. He gives us the way back. It is the sweetest.
*Two or three people shared how they were protected this week from harm, even in potentially life-threatening situations. God's hand was over them in these miracles. One of the final sisters to talk shared how even when the protection doesn't come in the way we think it should, God IS the miracle in every situation. He IS there. He lifts, He guides, He loves, He does protect and He does provide a way out, and He gives us comfort for those left after He calls His children home.
*As we were singing our closing hymn, I was thinking about my Primary class that I was about to go teach. They are an energetic bunch and I was preparing myself to be positive so that we could stay on track to try to bring the Spirit to the lesson. The song was "Be Thou Humble," and the second verse says, "Be thou humble in thy calling, and the Lord thy God shall teach thee to serve his children gladly with a pure and gentle love." That was exactly what I needed to hear at that moment, and honestly, it would be a good reminder every Sunday before going to class. These kids need structure and some redirection at times, but it needs to be with pure and gentle love--and God will teach me to do it gladly when I'm humble. I am glad to be a Primary teacher, especially with Ben as my co-teacher.
It was a delight!
