One time my mom told me about an experience that has changed my life. She told me of a conversation that she and my dad had while they were engaged. Although she didn't tell me where they were when it happened, I imagine them sitting in a car in front of a 7-11, perhaps just grabbing a treat for the drive, with the world bustling around them, yet having a life defining moment, acting like nobody else exists. Only the type of conversation you can have when you are engaged.
So, in her words, as I remember them, "When your dad and I were engaged, we had a talk. We decided that in our house, we were always going to be obedient to the small things that the Prophets had said...no face cards,, fake swear words, caffeine drinks...It made sense to us that if we took care of the small things, the big obedience crisis would never come."
Well, that makes sense to me too. In Relief Society yesterday, the lesson was on obedience. The manual contained two questions that I have been thinking about for the past 24 hours. First, "Why are you obedient?" I don't know if my answer is RIGHT, but if I am truthful, it is my answer. GOD KNOWS BEST! I have a testimony that he has provided the SAFEST and SUREST path to happiness through obedience to his commandments. I just read a scripture this morning that really RINGS TRUE with me....."For ye have sought all the days of your lives for that which ye could not obtain; and ye have sought for happiness in doing iniquity." I think in our heart of hearts, we know that WICKEDNESS NEVER WAS HAPPINESS.
The other question that has weighed on my mind was, "When have you received blessings as a result from your obedience to commandments that seemed small." By the time I was through thinking about this, I realized that the Lord's blessings far outweigh our efforts. I would like to share two things I thought of.
#1 - A couple of years ago, President Eyering talked to us about journals and recording daily our thoughts and spiritual experiences. I have tried to do that. The blessings are COOL. I now have volumes of thoughts that I want my kids to know. Not only that, my sense of memory has heightened. When I write things down, I remember them. To top that off, I can make connections! When I hear or see something important, it REMINDS ME of something that I had already heard, seen, or experinced. It deepens my testimony and adds layers to my life.
#2 - Around the time I married Jared, I listened to a talk by Sherri L. Dew. I really don't remember anything that she said specifically, however I remember her talking about the importance of General Conference. Since that time, I have tried really hard to study and absorb all that I could from each 6 month conference. It has literally changed my life. I LOVE GENERAL CONFERENCE.
The list goes on, and so does my testimony. It is the SMALL THINGS, that make the difference, and that makes sense to me.
I love this! This is exactly how I feel and I am glad someone else feels the same way. Those small things are stepping stones to being disobedient. So many times I have been told that it isn't a big deal if my children wear tank tops or bikinis because they are children, or that it is too hard to attend church with small children (yes it is hard at times, but the principle is still there). I feel like if we are drinking caffeine, skipping our church meetings, or using some swear words we are cutting corners. We are not being completely obedient if we are cutting corners. I have had quite a few people tell me that I am taking things over the top. But my rule will never change to follow the prophet and apostles because I know they will never lead us astray. Thank you for this message.
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