Saturday, March 28, 2009

Sing and be Joyful

So I work as an early morning custodian. Believe it or not, I love my job. I enjoy getting work over with in the early morning and getting the chance to contemplate my life while I work and do seemingly menial tasks. Another thing I get the chance to do is sing. Yes, I sing at work. Usually I sing hymns, like "Be Still, My Soul," "Lead, Kindly Light," "How Great Thou Art," and "Because I Have been Given Much." Then one week I didn't sing at all. I had a lot of thinking to do and had been doing that instead. Then on Friday while I was vacuuming the hallway a professor stopped me and asked, "why haven't you been singing? I've been waiting!" I had not realized that people listened to my singing, but apparently they do. So I sang for the rest of that day at work and felt so much better. You never know what you do everyday that makes a difference in other people's lives.

Another example of this became evident in my ward. Every Sunday we can write love notes to each other. I was rereading the love notes given to me since last semester and noticed a common theme: a lot of people enjoyed and appreciated how happy and full of life I was. I never before realized what an effect it had on these other people. Some of the love notes I hadn't even remembered receiving. It means a great deal to me that people appreciate how I am and it encourages me to continue being that way. I would hope that all of us would do things to help others and to notice it when others do that for us. And sing like no ones listening, because even if there is someone listening, they'll love that you are expressing your feelings. May we all find joy in each other and in being the best we can be.

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Grace of God

Whenever I get down, one thing that can always help lift my spirits is when I remember the grace of God. We are so sinful, but He is still willing to forgive us if we come unto Him and repent. What love He must have for His children to bestow us this blessing of which we don't deserve.

One instance of when God was merciful is when He appeared to the Prophet Joseph Smith in the spring of 1820. Joseph Smith had a question: he wanted to know which of all the churches was right. As he studied the Bible, he found a verse that led him to decide to ask of God which of all the churches was right. When he betook himself to prayer, God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph. I reread the account of this First Vision recently and I was overcome with tears as the Spirit bore witness to me how merciful God was to restore His church for His children. How blessed we are to have the true gospel again in the earth. It is evidence that God is merciful indeed.

I have been several times to the Sacred Grove where Joseph prayed and saw Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. There is a great spirit and peace present there. But this is not how I know that The First Vision happened. I have come to know that Joseph is a prophet and restored the true gospel by studying the scriptures, living the gospel, and praying to know. Anyone can come to the same knowledge if they sincerely seek for it with pure intent and faith. I would encourage any to do so who have not already. Indeed, I would challenge them too.

So whenever you get down try to remember the grace of God and how merciful He is to His children. I testify that He loves you and wants the best for you. If you come to Him you will find peace in this life and great rewards in the world to come. Please remember the grace of God.