Today in our testimony meeting, a theme seemed to emerge: focusing on and being grateful for the things that are truly important, the things of eternal significance.
A member of our bishopric spoke about his missionary son who narrowly avoided serious injury in a knife fight.
A man related an incident where he was able to help someone else this week in a small way, and how even those small acts of service seem to minimize our own trials and buoy us up.
A grandmother spoke whose heart was full because one of her granddaughters was blessed this morning and another one was baptized yesterday.
A woman thanked her sister for being such a good example and for going to the effort of making sure family get-togethers and traditions were established and maintained.
A young man spoke tenderly about his first child who was born this week, about how all of the worldly things that used to seem important to him simply faded away in the face of this amazing, miraculous addition to their little family.
It all reminded of me of this scripture which has been speaking to me lately:
2 Ne. 9:51: Wherefore, do not spend money for that which is of no worth, nor your labor for that which cannot satisfy. Hearken diligently unto me, and remember the words which I have spoken; and come unto the Holy One of Israel, and feast upon that which perisheth not, neither can be corrupted, and let your soul delight in fatness. (from the words of Isaiah)
Then, in Gospel Doctrine today, we read these words again as we were finishing up our study of Isaiah.
I fear that too often, I am, like President Monson says, "in the thick of thin things." I came away wanting to be a better mother, a better wife, a better sister, a better friend.
Sunday, November 07, 2010
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6 comments:
"I came away wanting to be a better mother, a better wife, a better sister, a better friend."
I hope you realize how much good you do, and what a guiding light you are for the people around you and those who have the privilege of your association.
I feel like I am Constantly (with a capital C) trying to make myself focus on what is important so that I'm not caught up in the thick of thin things, but my problem is that sometimes the thin things don't feel very thin to me. Aargh! I'm getting better, but I think it's going to be a lifetime pursuit.
I was going to type out something very similar to what Rebekah wrote. You are a great example to so very many of us. Thank you.
OH. You would say that. The whole "in the thick of thin things" kind of kills me. How did you and Jill get passed the overwhelmingness of it all to feel motivated and peaceful?! Such a struggle for me.
Jenn, this is something I need to work on! Constantly, as Jill said. So this is more of a reminder to myself that I need to place my focus where it is most needed. I am motivated and peaceful, but still quite often overwhelmed!
I love meetings that inspire me to be better. It is sometimes so hard to maintain focus on the right things, to not get caught up in the thick of thin things.
It sounds like you had a wonderful meeting!
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