Sunday, April 19, 2009

Sunday thoughts

The thing that really sticks with me from church today is a story a man related at the beginning of Gospel Doctrine.

He and his wife received a mission call last week to London. It was not the call they were expecting -- a call to work in the temple, and a mission that would cost about $900 a month. Instead, they have been called to live in the city, and this mission is estimated to cost around $4000 a month. He said he's really been struggling with it, with the thought of having to walk a lot and use public transportation with his arthritis, with not knowing where the money will come from. Then he had a dream this morning.

He and his wife were walking down a path -- stark naked -- and then they were climbing rock walls, really struggling. He woke up and wondered what in the world it meant. Then a clear impression came to him: "Be humble, and the path will be shown to you." (he thinks the nakedness symbolized humility) He tearfully shared this story with us and said he is going to write a letter to his grandchildren so they will understand why he didn't seem overjoyed when they opened their call!

And that's really all I can remember from church today. The thought of being humble and waiting to be shown the path is crowding out all others.

15 comments:

chloe said...

So, I know I don't often comment, but I do read. Today, in fact, when I got home I opened my reader eagerly anticipating your Sunday Thoughts. (Apparently I just really have come to love these posts). There was no post in my reader. Sadness.

I decided to actually visit your blog (something I don't do very often...for anyone) and lo and behold, your post was there. And it was something I needed to hear.

Thanks!

patsy said...

wow- that is an amazing dream- lots of deep thoughts here.

I can completely understand all of his thoughts-- the dream, amazing.

What joy they will experience on this mission! I think sacrafice & obedience bring joy- at least I have faith they do.

Jill said...

Wow, what a story! How would anyone be able to afford $4000 a month? It will be so great to hear from he and his wife when they return and have tremendous stories of blessings to tell.

shannon said...

What an interesting dream!--and so neat that he was given a clear answer of its meaning...

It's one thing to say you need to have faith, but quite another to actually put it to the test...this sounds like one of those times when he will be counting on the Lord for sure to guide him and his wife on this journey.

I'll be interested in hearing what great things they will have to report when they get home from their mission... :)

I hope you'll keep us posted...

Kelly said...

Wow, that really would be a test of faith! It will be interesting to hear how that all works out, and the experiences they had when they get home.

melanie said...

This post is for me today Michelle. Oh how I want to fix 'it' without humility and patience. I'm all misty eyed too. Thanks for posting this.

Rebekah said...

how can people afford $4,000 a month? i've never realized before what a tremendous monetary sacrifice senior missions are. yikes. it must take a lot of faith to give up so much of your nest egg for such hard and demanding work.

Susan said...

I love the story, and I can see how this would overpower all other thoughts!

I scarcly recall dreams,and when I do, it doesn't occur to me to interperate them!! I've never really given thought to them as answers to prayers. I'm going to have to ponder this idea and pay more attention. Perhaps I have been missing some answers to prayers!

I, too, will be anxious to hear the reports when they return.

jenn said...

I love the Sundays when a single idea takes hold and absorbs our thoughts and time. What a powerful idea to consume you today.

j said...

what a great story. that is serious faith and humility...i needed to hear this today.

Denise said...

This is just the boost I needed as I head off to bed after an eventful day. Thanks for sharing.

Melinda said...

His homecoming will be really amazing to hear and see how all this plays out. Being humble and waiting... something I really need to hear and do.

amy gretchen said...

I think it's incredibly hard to have to trust completely...to go and do without having it all spelled out.

Inspiring story.

Amy said...

Wow. Thanks for sharing that!

Bond Girl 007 said...

oh my, tears are rolling down my eyes...i think humility has been a very very very hard word for me lately, last couple of years....I still don't know if I am humble enough for all the trials I am going through....i sure should ask for help and some reassurance....in my plight

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