A week ago BpB got up and said people are given callings to do the things otherwise they may not be so compelled to do. It struck a cord with me and I thought-I have the best calling in the world-teaching-something that comes so naturally to me I could almost do it in my sleep. It's a God given talent and I recognize it as such and 100% grateful. This calling wasn't really stretching me and I find myself sinking into complacency and some forms of mediocrity. I need to be my best self and am really struggling in finding anything to motivate me to be this right now. It's a horrible feeling and I get down on myself even more for experiencing it. Something was brought to my attention a few weeks ago and even more so this very afternoon:
In sacrament this guy got up to speak-pretty sure he is the ward mission leader and everything he said resonated with me so strongly and I felt a strong desire to shake off the dust and stand up for many truths I've been pondering upon the past couple of weeks. I've been thinking a lot about words of a living Prophet, Gordon B. Hinckley, " Converts need: a friend, a calling, and to be nurtured by the good word of God." He delivered this message in a leadership meeting I attended as a full time missionary in Spokane Valley. The powerful impact has never wandered from the still confines within my soul. Each of us within His church is a convert in one form or another. We all have ups and downs in our testimony, in our obedience, and in our faith. We all rely on the same being for our grace, mercy, and salvation. Likewise we all rely on fellow Saints to lift the hands of those that hang down. Haven't your hands ever hung down? Who was it that came and took you by the hand and became the answer to your prayers?
I was thinking about how we don't need more programs, we need more love, more goodness, more selflessness, and more courage. Meaning courage to do all of the small things, smile and say hello when you pass by others, encourage your roommates or neighbors to get involved in their visiting/home teaching, magnify their calling (to get one if they don't have one), pray, read the scriptures, render service, attend the temple, pay tithing/offerings, participate in Family Home Evening, the list goes on...the list that leads one to happiness in this life and eternal life in the next. If everyone were happy around each other, there would never be insecurity-only hope, love, and faith.
It's amazing how we can feel God's love in such simple and yet miraculous ways! I have friends and family that believe in everything from none to multiple to worldly Gods and yet I know He can somehow reach into their hearts and pull them closer to Him through us-anyone who wants to be a tool (in the nicest of context). It's all about the seemingly little things: a text message, a smile, a hug, words of encouragement, and the list goes on...Once we are converted, go...
What are you doing for someone else to help them feel of His love?
Do you invite others to come with you to activities?
Are you attending the activities yourself?
Where do you hold your daily scripture study?
Is your relationship to the Father manifest in your prayers?
When do you attend the temple and give of other service?
What can you do to forget about your life and give it to those around you?
When you lose your life for His sake then you will find it!
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