When I think about the love Heavenly Father has for me I am overwhelmed. Growing up I developed a wonderful relationship with my Dad and in anytime of need I knew that I could count on him. His example helped me understand how unconditional a Fathers love is. This morning I started reading Alma 13. I was about half way through when I was touched by the spirit. The feeling came to me that I need to read my patriarchal blessing. Being a tad bit O.C.D. I decided that I would finish the chapter and then read it. I continued on but within a few verses I had the prompting again. I was 4 verses away from the end and I thought to myself "I can just hurry and finish and it will be all good." The next words I read were "and not procrastinate the day of your repentance." It that was not a smack in the face I don't know what is.
I put down my Book of Mormon and began to read my patriarchal blessing. It told me about my talents and abilities. It is my road map that is promised to me if I am obedient. I felt comfort from God reassuring me that I can do hard things. Hold to me and my Gospel and everything will be well.
"It will alright in the end and if it is not alright, it is not the end."
I thought about my Dad. How I am so far from him and the only way I can really talk to him is through letters. Writing to him has always lead me to have clarity of how I really feel. Knowing of the similar feelings I have towards my Earthly Father and my Heavenly Father I pulled out a pen and paper and began to write a letter. I told him of how grateful I was to have a knowledge that I can return back to him. I told him that I trusted him and how his guidance has lead me here. I asked him what do I need to learn? How can my challenges help me change. I closed with your daughter Jessica.
With ten minuets left of personal study I went back to Alma 13:28 where I left off. It read "humble yourself before the Lord, and call on his holy name, and watch and pray continually, that ye may not be tempted above that which ye can bear, and thus be led by the Holy Spirit, being humble and submissive, patient, full of love and all long-suffering."
I know god loves us and that he is sending the Holy Ghost constantly to help guide us through the day. All we have to do is follow the promptings and our burdens will be lifted.
Dear Jessica,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words about the manner in which your mother and I raised you. It's always a blessing to hear from your children that the attempts to parent were appreciated and valued. You have been a joy to raise and we are proud of your choice to serve the Lord. Establishing a personal relationship with your Heavenly Father is the most important thing you can carry with you in post mission life. We hope that you will continue to strengthen that bond and that others will see you for who you are....an Ambassador of the Lord who cares about them like their Heavenly Father does. If they can see in themselves what you/He sees then they will more likely commit to do what is necessary to partake of the blessings of baptism.