A brief interruption to the political, philosophical, and religious commentary that usually makes its way to this blog.
I completed my Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation last week. It was about 3 years in the making. Every ounce of free time that I've had over the past 3 years has been devoted to studying and stressing over the next exam. But it's done and I have earned back a significant amount of time.
With this new-found freedom, I have recommitted to personal growth and health. And I created a "Top 10 List" of sorts regarding my renewed healthy lifestyle. Here it is (in order):
1) Pray regularly and read scriptures (meditate/reduce stress).
2) Walk/jog 6 days a week for 30-60 minutes (no formal exercise on Sunday).
3) Smile - be happy!
4) Drink lots of water.
5) Eat less but eat 5 times a day - always a protein and a carb.
6) Minimal sugar and no greasy foods for 6 days each week (generally, Saturday will be my "day off").
7) Try yoga?!?
8) Two walks around the office and park as far away as possible.
9) When in doubt, eat salmon and salad!
10) Fiber, sunlight, and vitamin C.
There you have it. This list is not quite as thought-provoking as Benjamin Franklin's 13 virtues...but it will help me focus on a more healthy lifestyle. Consider it yet, another perspective.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Saturday, April 23, 2011
The Vulnerability of Youth
I've been meaning to blog...really I have. Since Christmas, all of my free time has been spent studying for various professional exams. I have one left out of the eight required to earn my Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation. The exam is scheduled for May 5...but I decided to take a few minutes to blog.
Since Christmas, all of the topics I've wanted to blog about have been centered around political events. I wanted to publicly promote my support for Governor Scott Walker. I wanted to share some insight regarding refinancing our mortgage (from our conversation with the lender, it was clear that Obama promotes death, disability, and divorce). We give too much charitable contributions to refinance under his plan without experiencing one of those 3 "D" words.
There have been so many other topics as well. Our involvement with Libya and the budget debate...yep, I wanted to talk about those, too. But I'm finally taking time to share my thoughts on another political topic. I want to briefly discuss President Obama's recent 2012 campaign speech via facebook. I want to start by sharing a few scriptures that came to mind:
O that cunning plan of the evil one! O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise... (2 Nephi 9:28) I'm not saying Obama is the devil. But I am saying Obama is employing those same tactics that Satan uses. I have an example to illustrate:
I was recently reading in the Book of Mormon when Alma and Amulek were preaching to the people of Ammonihah. There was a lawyer who came forward and questioned Amulek's testimony. "Now Zeezrom was a man who was expert in the devices of the devil, that he might destroy that which was good." Zeezrom asked several questions of Amulek. In reference to the Son of God, Zeezrom asked, "Shall he save his people in their sins?" Amulek responded no because for the Savior to save us in our sins would deny the truth that no unclean thing can stand in the presence of God. But the Savior will save us from our sins if we choose him over the world and repent.
Then Zeezrom turned to the people and said, "See that ye remember these things; for he said there is but one God; yet he saith that the Son of God shall come, but he shall not save his people - as though he had authority to command God."
Zeezrom was deceitful and ommited a key phrase in his response to the people. Amulek never said that Christ would not save his people...he said Christ would not save his people in their sins.
O that cunning plan of the evil one!
Now read what President Obama said regarding Conservatives:
"Their basic view is that no matter how successful I am, no matter how much I've taken from this country... I wasn't born wealthy. I was raised by a single mom and my grandparents. I went to college on scholarships. There was a time when my mom was trying to get her Ph.D. where, for a short time, she had to take food stamps. My grandparents relied on Medicare and Social Security to supplement their income when they got older. Their notion is: Despite the fact that I've benefited from all these investments, somehow I now have no obligation to people who are less fortunate than me."
His statement is completely illogical and deceitful. It is full of anger and resentment. It begins with an unfounded premise, adds a little truth, and then distorts the truth by adding key words. And finally ends with a lie.
Rather than show appreciation for the blessings he was given to achieve his current status in this mortal life, he's ungrateful and even angry that he wasn't born wealthy. His mom had to take food stamps. He never mentioned that in either of his two autobiographies. And he was attending an expensive prep school at the time his mom would have been on food stamps. His grandparents relied on Medicare and Social Security. Never mind that his grandparents were wealthy beyond their means. His grandmother was a VP of a bank and his dad was an executive of an oil company.
If so many of the rich want to pay more in taxes (according to Obama all we had to do was ask), then why aren't the liberals paying their legal obligations NOW? Like Senator Kerry who legally docked his yacht in a different state to avoid higher property taxes...or the President himself who paid only 27% in taxes as opposed to his legal obligation of 35% because his accountants found loopholes.
At the 16-minute mark of the town hall, he actually said that increasing our tax rates would help reduce government spending. What?
Instead of helping Americans look for a brighter day when they can pull themselves out of unemployment and not rely on the government, the President of the United States is applauding welfare as the path to success. He's destroying the concept of work.
He's demonizing his own citizens. He's taking away private sector jobs (i.e.: allows Brazil to drill in the Gulf but still has a moratorium for his own country) and increasing the public work force...which is essentially buying more votes. He's doing his best to make a case for welfare and dependency - not the freedom, liberty and independence that made this country what it is.
And to whom is President Obama speaking?
The youth - the college aged facebook generation. Those who are still "taking" and don't value the freedoms of being an adult because they haven't experienced it yet. Who else appealed to the youth of their generation? Hitler comes to mind first. And I'm not comparing our President to Hitler. I'm comparing his approach and philosophy to that of Hitler, Chavez, Fidel Castro, Mao, and all communist leaders in modern history.
I've often wondered how Lucifer convinced one third of Heavenly Father's children to rebel and deny themselves eternal blessings? This speech that Obama gave on facebook made me consider something I never had before. I imagine that Lucifer addressed the younger spirits of Heavenly Father - those who lacked experience. As well as those prideful, angry, self-centered spirits who were learned and thought that was synonymous with being wise. Youth have an excuse...adults do not.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
A Carpenter's Apprentice
There's a man in our congregation. One of the most humble men I know. He works tirelessly at two jobs to provide for his family and when he comes home, he serves endlessly. His name is Mark.
Mark is a "jack of all trades." And he's a self-taught expert in all of them. His 72 year old best friend, Johnny, recent fell and broke his femur bone. The injury will confine Johnny to a wheel chair for at least 6 months as he endures physical therapy and allows time for the leg to completely heal. In the mean time, Johnny will need a ramp to his door. And because of the height of his front door, he needs 60 feet of ramp.
Mark has never built a ramp before...but he's built just about everything else. So he took the design provided by medical personnel and improved upon it. Mark is building the "temple" of all ramps. It's U-shaped with four landing platforms and there isn't anything in this natural world that can destroy it. This ramp is solid.
Saturday morning, Mark was given the morning off from work. So I got a phone call and headed over to the house to help with the ramp. Upon arrival, I quickly confessed my inadequacies. But I could follow instructions. Mark had already built the first platform and foundation for the first ramp. He needed the platform secured and the floor boards to be placed and secured on the first ramp. He showed me how to do the first board. Then he handed me the tools and left me to the work.
We talked for a bit while we worked. We took a break and he showed me his workshop that he had built with recycled wood from a 19th century home. I was amazed. And I knew I could learn a lot from Mark. We talked and worked a little more. Then he left for his job where he works at a local prison.
And I was left alone.
At first I felt like the karate kid. :) But, unlike Ralph Macchio, I knew what this service was preparing me for. And I was grateful for the chance. I don't have many opportunities to provide service that really benefits someone else. I can sing...and I can give a good Sunday school lesson...and I can teach someone about basic insurance and risk management...but I'm not a doctor, I'm not a scientist, I'm not an engineer, I'm not a lawyer, I'm not a car mechanic...
But Saturday, I was a carpenter's apprentice. And I thought that was quite fitting for December. I wish I could share the mental picture I took as I paused from putting the next floor board down and looked out across the yard. It was heavily wooded with 3 guinea hens off in the distance, some chickens, a turkey, a few dogs, some rabbits, a landscaped pond with a small cascading waterfall, and a pleasant December temperature with sunny skies. I enjoyed the solitude.
And I thought, "This is what Christmas is about." I don't often have opportunities where I can truly help someone through service...do something that really does make a difference. If this was the only reason we moved to Virginia, I would be satisfied. It has made it all worth it. There is only one true Carpenter. And He is building me into who I need to become. He is providing me with experiences and opportunities that I need. I love being the Carpenter's apprentice. I have so much to learn.
So this December is turning out to be a very special one. For the next 3 weeks, the wood I will be working with will be a constant reminder for me. I hope it makes a lasting impression.
Mark is a "jack of all trades." And he's a self-taught expert in all of them. His 72 year old best friend, Johnny, recent fell and broke his femur bone. The injury will confine Johnny to a wheel chair for at least 6 months as he endures physical therapy and allows time for the leg to completely heal. In the mean time, Johnny will need a ramp to his door. And because of the height of his front door, he needs 60 feet of ramp.
Mark has never built a ramp before...but he's built just about everything else. So he took the design provided by medical personnel and improved upon it. Mark is building the "temple" of all ramps. It's U-shaped with four landing platforms and there isn't anything in this natural world that can destroy it. This ramp is solid.
Saturday morning, Mark was given the morning off from work. So I got a phone call and headed over to the house to help with the ramp. Upon arrival, I quickly confessed my inadequacies. But I could follow instructions. Mark had already built the first platform and foundation for the first ramp. He needed the platform secured and the floor boards to be placed and secured on the first ramp. He showed me how to do the first board. Then he handed me the tools and left me to the work.
We talked for a bit while we worked. We took a break and he showed me his workshop that he had built with recycled wood from a 19th century home. I was amazed. And I knew I could learn a lot from Mark. We talked and worked a little more. Then he left for his job where he works at a local prison.
And I was left alone.
At first I felt like the karate kid. :) But, unlike Ralph Macchio, I knew what this service was preparing me for. And I was grateful for the chance. I don't have many opportunities to provide service that really benefits someone else. I can sing...and I can give a good Sunday school lesson...and I can teach someone about basic insurance and risk management...but I'm not a doctor, I'm not a scientist, I'm not an engineer, I'm not a lawyer, I'm not a car mechanic...
But Saturday, I was a carpenter's apprentice. And I thought that was quite fitting for December. I wish I could share the mental picture I took as I paused from putting the next floor board down and looked out across the yard. It was heavily wooded with 3 guinea hens off in the distance, some chickens, a turkey, a few dogs, some rabbits, a landscaped pond with a small cascading waterfall, and a pleasant December temperature with sunny skies. I enjoyed the solitude.
And I thought, "This is what Christmas is about." I don't often have opportunities where I can truly help someone through service...do something that really does make a difference. If this was the only reason we moved to Virginia, I would be satisfied. It has made it all worth it. There is only one true Carpenter. And He is building me into who I need to become. He is providing me with experiences and opportunities that I need. I love being the Carpenter's apprentice. I have so much to learn.
So this December is turning out to be a very special one. For the next 3 weeks, the wood I will be working with will be a constant reminder for me. I hope it makes a lasting impression.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Walking Straight Can Turn Into a Mystery
I'm a social and fiscal conservative who loves listening to NPR while I drive in to work. Did you hear the segment about humans inability to walk straight this morning? It was fascinating...and the producers probably don't even know why it was so fascinating.
They've done these studies...80 years worth of studies...of placing a blindfold on someone and challenging them to walk straight. The first 20, 30, 40 feet are good. The subject walks relatively straight. But inevitably, the blindfolded individual begins to turn. And then they turn some more and some more and some more. Until, eventually, the subject is walking in circles. In one study, the person actually ended up where they began after making multiple circles.
If you haven't clicked on the link above, go back and do it. The audio version is less than 4 minutes. And the video is about the same length of time. Seriously...go listen and/or watch and then come back...
At one point in the story, the commentator states that there is a "profound inability in humans to go straight unless there's something in the environment you can see and focus on." He later states, "There is something in us that makes us turn."
What a perfect segway to the scriptures. For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit... Mosiah 3:19 Without a fixed object we can focus on, the natural man can only go in circles. We can never progress without divine strength and assistance...or grace. There is a profound inability in humans to progress if we are "blindfolded." In scripture lingo, that blindfold is the natural man.
Of course, the "something in the environment you can see and focus on" is Jesus Christ. O then, my beloved brethren, come unto the Lord, the Holy One. Remember that his paths are righteous. Behold, the way for man is narrow, but it lieth in a straight course before him...
2 Nephi 9:41
Christ's example showeth unto the children of men the straitness of the path. Follow me, and do the things which ye have seen me do.
And then are ye in this strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life. Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.
2 Nephi 31:9, 12, 18, 20
Fascinating. Now, if only I could stop walking in circles.
They've done these studies...80 years worth of studies...of placing a blindfold on someone and challenging them to walk straight. The first 20, 30, 40 feet are good. The subject walks relatively straight. But inevitably, the blindfolded individual begins to turn. And then they turn some more and some more and some more. Until, eventually, the subject is walking in circles. In one study, the person actually ended up where they began after making multiple circles.
If you haven't clicked on the link above, go back and do it. The audio version is less than 4 minutes. And the video is about the same length of time. Seriously...go listen and/or watch and then come back...
At one point in the story, the commentator states that there is a "profound inability in humans to go straight unless there's something in the environment you can see and focus on." He later states, "There is something in us that makes us turn."
What a perfect segway to the scriptures. For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit... Mosiah 3:19 Without a fixed object we can focus on, the natural man can only go in circles. We can never progress without divine strength and assistance...or grace. There is a profound inability in humans to progress if we are "blindfolded." In scripture lingo, that blindfold is the natural man.
Of course, the "something in the environment you can see and focus on" is Jesus Christ. O then, my beloved brethren, come unto the Lord, the Holy One. Remember that his paths are righteous. Behold, the way for man is narrow, but it lieth in a straight course before him...
2 Nephi 9:41
Christ's example showeth unto the children of men the straitness of the path. Follow me, and do the things which ye have seen me do.
And then are ye in this strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life. Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.
2 Nephi 31:9, 12, 18, 20
Fascinating. Now, if only I could stop walking in circles.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Why I Didn't Sleep In
It's a Saturday. But I knew I wanted to get up and head to the lake. It took mental preparation to get up early on a Saturday, but it was worth it.
I've gone to the lake many mornings since we moved here. It's an opportunity to enjoy the beauties of the earth and reflect on life. I'm sure my perspective has changed as a result.
I've gone to the lake many mornings since we moved here. It's an opportunity to enjoy the beauties of the earth and reflect on life. I'm sure my perspective has changed as a result.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Turn To God
"Everyone" (whoever everyone is) seems to have a favorite psalm. I've never really paid that much attention to them. The psalms haven't drawn me in as they have others. But a phrase came to mind early this morning and it caught my attention and caused me to search in the scriptures for the phrase, "Turn to God."
Psalms 80 will help me preface my thoughts. There is a verse repeated 3 times...the only difference being the title God is given in each. It reads: Turn us again, O Lord God of hosts, cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.
Psalm 80 is my first favorite psalm. Here it is.
For the past 15 years (almost to the day), I have experienced a constant, reoccurring theme of turning to God and turning away from God. I'm learning what it means to endure; I'm learning what it means to strive.
Fortunately, one side hasn't given up.
Unfortunately, the other side hasn't given up either.
I'm tired of the battle. But I think I'm hearing something whisper to me that through the Atonement of Christ, I can turn my heart to God and rest...at least for a little. When the burden becomes too heavy, the Captain of my soul is willing to take the lead and fight a few battles while I rest. There's a story in the Old Testament that teaches this concept.
King Hezekiah had some trends to reverse in ancient Israel. The children of Israel had turned away from Jehovah during the reign of their last king. And Hezekiah was determined to restore their faith. He sent a proclamation among the people, commanding them to "turn again unto the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel." He counseled them to be humble. And if they were humble, God's wrath would turn away from them.
2 Chronicles 30:9 then reads, "For if ye turn again unto the Lord, your brethren and your children shall find compassion before them that lead them captive, so that they shall come again into this land: for the Lord your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away his face from you, if ye return unto him."
A good portion of the people heeded the king's counsel. The result was "great joy in Jerusalem."
But there were always enemies nearby. Battles were constant in ancient Israel--just as they are constant in our personal, spiritual lives. Guess what happened during Israel's next battle? It's really quite fascinating...
King Hezekiah prepared his people for war. But they did not have to fight it.
Hezekiah comforted the people by saying (don't peruse this...read it slowly and deliberately): Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him: With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the Lord our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.
Then King Hezekiah, with the great prophet Isaiah, prayed. They prayed.
And an angel destroyed the opposing army.
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland counseled in his last conference address to "pray without ceasing. Ask for angels to help you."
The Spirit directed my thoughts and my fingers as I typed. He has taught me and I want that truth recorded here in my journal/blog. What an incredible spiritual experience this has been. I believe the "distance" between heaven and earth is being reduced in our day. And I'm praying for an angel to fight my battles right now while I figure out how to turn my heart to God.
Psalms 80 will help me preface my thoughts. There is a verse repeated 3 times...the only difference being the title God is given in each. It reads: Turn us again, O Lord God of hosts, cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.
Psalm 80 is my first favorite psalm. Here it is.
For the past 15 years (almost to the day), I have experienced a constant, reoccurring theme of turning to God and turning away from God. I'm learning what it means to endure; I'm learning what it means to strive.
Fortunately, one side hasn't given up.
Unfortunately, the other side hasn't given up either.
I'm tired of the battle. But I think I'm hearing something whisper to me that through the Atonement of Christ, I can turn my heart to God and rest...at least for a little. When the burden becomes too heavy, the Captain of my soul is willing to take the lead and fight a few battles while I rest. There's a story in the Old Testament that teaches this concept.
King Hezekiah had some trends to reverse in ancient Israel. The children of Israel had turned away from Jehovah during the reign of their last king. And Hezekiah was determined to restore their faith. He sent a proclamation among the people, commanding them to "turn again unto the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel." He counseled them to be humble. And if they were humble, God's wrath would turn away from them.
2 Chronicles 30:9 then reads, "For if ye turn again unto the Lord, your brethren and your children shall find compassion before them that lead them captive, so that they shall come again into this land: for the Lord your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away his face from you, if ye return unto him."
A good portion of the people heeded the king's counsel. The result was "great joy in Jerusalem."
But there were always enemies nearby. Battles were constant in ancient Israel--just as they are constant in our personal, spiritual lives. Guess what happened during Israel's next battle? It's really quite fascinating...
King Hezekiah prepared his people for war. But they did not have to fight it.
Hezekiah comforted the people by saying (don't peruse this...read it slowly and deliberately): Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him: With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the Lord our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.
Then King Hezekiah, with the great prophet Isaiah, prayed. They prayed.
And an angel destroyed the opposing army.
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland counseled in his last conference address to "pray without ceasing. Ask for angels to help you."
The Spirit directed my thoughts and my fingers as I typed. He has taught me and I want that truth recorded here in my journal/blog. What an incredible spiritual experience this has been. I believe the "distance" between heaven and earth is being reduced in our day. And I'm praying for an angel to fight my battles right now while I figure out how to turn my heart to God.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
I felt a breeze today...
The city of Maracaibo is situated where the Gulf of Venezuela (off the Caribbean) meets Lake Maracaibo (one of the largest lakes in the world). Mix the water and the fact that it's just north of the Equator, and you have a natural recipe for heat and humidity in that particular part of Venezuela.
As a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we walked all over the city to serve and teach. With an average of 90 degrees without factoring in the humidity, you can imagine how uncomfortable it felt being outside so much. I remember one especially hot day. I can almost see the buildings we were walking past as I said a silent prayer. I needed some relief. I was at a point where I could have literally collapsed from heat and exhaustion. As I concluded a 10 second prayer pleading for a slight breeze to cool my face and body, it came. And I knew that God was watching over me and understood my circumstances.
It had such an impact that I immediately thought of that experience when our Sunday School teacher asked the class to share a time when we experienced the tender mercies of the Lord. I don't speak up much in class...but the thought came so quickly that the Spirit raised my hand.
We were discussing 1 Kings and specifically Elijah. We read through the story of the woman Elijah came to after he had sealed the heavens. This widow was preparing to cook the last meal for herself and her son before they died. For the full account, read 1 Kings 17. A miracle occurs there.
But then...this: And it came to pass after these things, that the son of the woman, the mistress of the house, fell sick; and his sickness was so sore, that there was no breath left in him. (1 Kings 17:17)
The widow was obedient, provided one last act of charity before facing an inevitable death in her mind, witnessed a miracle of having a now endless supply of food--only to have her son die soon after. The questions she asked in the next verse give us an idea of the struggles she must have gone through at that time. She seems to ask, "Why would God attend to my needs only to take away my son?"
The Lord knew this woman. He knew what she had done with her life and He knew her heart. As Elijah brought her son back to life, the Lord provided her yet another reminder that He knew her...and loved her.
Not long after, Elijah experienced something very similar. He had been obedient; he had been faithful; he had witnessed several miracles in his life. But even after an especially heavenly event, witnessed by countless others while Elijah dealt with the prophets of Baal, there was no change in the hearts of the people. And it weighed on him as we read, But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers. (1 Kings 19:4)
The Lord knew Elijah. He knew what he had done with his life and He knew his heart. A prophet of God, Elijah was devastated that there wasn't a greater conversion after all the miracles that had taken place. He would rather die than continue on. He didn't think he could do as his "fathers" had done.
I consider this to be the test of enduring to the end. And when we are working through that part of our commitment, to endure to the end, the Lord blesses us, I believe, with tender mercies. God sent an angel to minister to Elijah during this particularly difficult time in his life.
In our moments of weakness in faith, or when we doubt or question or wonder if there's really a point...I believe God provides us a gentle reminder. We know blessings are predicated on obedience to laws...but we don't know when those blessings will come. Sometimes they are immediate. But, probably more often than not, our kind and loving Father in Heaven reserves those blessings for when He knows we will need them most.
He doesn't look at the last 5 minutes of our lives. He doesn't look at the past week. The Lord, as our Sunday School teacher taught by the Spirit, looks at our whole life. As His children, God knows how to sustain us.
Life in general has been a little rough lately. In between the good times, I've questioned my abilities as a husband and father. I've questioned my purpose in life. I've questioned the purpose of active church attendance. I've found reasons to be frustrated at work. I've allowed others actions to negatively impact me. I've brought on self-inflicted pain and sorrow. I've been tired. (This isn't an exhaustive list. :)) And all of this has given me a better appreciation for what it means to endure to the end.
But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.
There aren't words to describe what I felt during this Sunday School class today, but...
I felt another breeze today. And it was refreshing. God reminded me that He knows me and loves me. Hopefully that, coupled with my faith, is enough to sustain me through this particular season of my life.
As a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we walked all over the city to serve and teach. With an average of 90 degrees without factoring in the humidity, you can imagine how uncomfortable it felt being outside so much. I remember one especially hot day. I can almost see the buildings we were walking past as I said a silent prayer. I needed some relief. I was at a point where I could have literally collapsed from heat and exhaustion. As I concluded a 10 second prayer pleading for a slight breeze to cool my face and body, it came. And I knew that God was watching over me and understood my circumstances.
It had such an impact that I immediately thought of that experience when our Sunday School teacher asked the class to share a time when we experienced the tender mercies of the Lord. I don't speak up much in class...but the thought came so quickly that the Spirit raised my hand.
We were discussing 1 Kings and specifically Elijah. We read through the story of the woman Elijah came to after he had sealed the heavens. This widow was preparing to cook the last meal for herself and her son before they died. For the full account, read 1 Kings 17. A miracle occurs there.
But then...this: And it came to pass after these things, that the son of the woman, the mistress of the house, fell sick; and his sickness was so sore, that there was no breath left in him. (1 Kings 17:17)
The widow was obedient, provided one last act of charity before facing an inevitable death in her mind, witnessed a miracle of having a now endless supply of food--only to have her son die soon after. The questions she asked in the next verse give us an idea of the struggles she must have gone through at that time. She seems to ask, "Why would God attend to my needs only to take away my son?"
The Lord knew this woman. He knew what she had done with her life and He knew her heart. As Elijah brought her son back to life, the Lord provided her yet another reminder that He knew her...and loved her.
Not long after, Elijah experienced something very similar. He had been obedient; he had been faithful; he had witnessed several miracles in his life. But even after an especially heavenly event, witnessed by countless others while Elijah dealt with the prophets of Baal, there was no change in the hearts of the people. And it weighed on him as we read, But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers. (1 Kings 19:4)
The Lord knew Elijah. He knew what he had done with his life and He knew his heart. A prophet of God, Elijah was devastated that there wasn't a greater conversion after all the miracles that had taken place. He would rather die than continue on. He didn't think he could do as his "fathers" had done.
I consider this to be the test of enduring to the end. And when we are working through that part of our commitment, to endure to the end, the Lord blesses us, I believe, with tender mercies. God sent an angel to minister to Elijah during this particularly difficult time in his life.
In our moments of weakness in faith, or when we doubt or question or wonder if there's really a point...I believe God provides us a gentle reminder. We know blessings are predicated on obedience to laws...but we don't know when those blessings will come. Sometimes they are immediate. But, probably more often than not, our kind and loving Father in Heaven reserves those blessings for when He knows we will need them most.
He doesn't look at the last 5 minutes of our lives. He doesn't look at the past week. The Lord, as our Sunday School teacher taught by the Spirit, looks at our whole life. As His children, God knows how to sustain us.
Life in general has been a little rough lately. In between the good times, I've questioned my abilities as a husband and father. I've questioned my purpose in life. I've questioned the purpose of active church attendance. I've found reasons to be frustrated at work. I've allowed others actions to negatively impact me. I've brought on self-inflicted pain and sorrow. I've been tired. (This isn't an exhaustive list. :)) And all of this has given me a better appreciation for what it means to endure to the end.
But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.
There aren't words to describe what I felt during this Sunday School class today, but...
I felt another breeze today. And it was refreshing. God reminded me that He knows me and loves me. Hopefully that, coupled with my faith, is enough to sustain me through this particular season of my life.
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