I made this sometime ago! I remember driving through the back roads of springville after a particular heavy snow storm. It was very cold out, and although the storm had left it's mark, it also left it's beauty...
Every time I read a scripture that talks about doing things in the light of day, because when the darkness comes, no man can preform their labor--I find myself going into a contemplation mode. There are handful of these types of verses:
...for after this day of life, which is given us to prepare for eternity, behold, if we do not improve our time while in this life, then cometh the night of darkness wherein there can be no labor performed. (Alma 34:33)Why is it so important for us to have already made up our mind in the light of day? Because one day we will be tested... and that testing time may be dark, and if we have not set our mind firm, we may waver and give into things we ought not give into because the "darkness/night" of the test has come. So what will I decided now, to be immoveable in/with?
I may have shared this before, but it bares reapting. I had an institute teacher share an experience once of one of his daughters who went into labor. There were many life threatening complications for she and the baby and for a time, it was not certain that either one would make it. My institute teacher had a huddle out in the hall with his other daughters and his wife. And his father council was this, that no matter what happened that they would still love and honor God and still trust in him. Everyone was in tears and they agreed to remain faithful to God no matter what. This father then went into see his sweet daughter, who at any time was at high risk for loosing not only the unborn baby, but also her own life. Without her father even saying anything, this sweet girl who was in an awesome "hell" of her own, told her dad that she knew that no matter what happened, she would still honor and server God.
I have always been impressed by that story... in the heat of the moment, who will I be? Just because I choose to follow Christ and try to stay postitive, doesn't mean that I can drown the pain of the particular path out with my postitive atttidude, however, I believe GREAT faith comes and can be accessed by continuing in trusting in God and His timing no matter what. Shani at work kept up a beauitful saying that said something to the effect of faith in God also means faith in His timing.
So in my currant "light" of life moment, I am striving to work on my own vessel. that when the storms come, I can remember and act upon following and trusting in Christ--come what may!
Myrna told me once that while she was in the hospital after some chemo, that she was in an amazing amount of pain. So much pain that she didn't know how she could go on and even have the will to live. The pain was more than she thought she could bare. She pleaded with God to take the pain away. Then she had in interesting impression. She felt that God would not allow the pain to be taken away, however He would help her get through the pain. And she said that the pain still remained and it was awful, but she felt strengthened (not less pain, but strength) while going through the pain.
I know who Jesus Christ is. And Heavenly Father. And although I know it is easier said then actually put into practice, especially in the heat of the moment, I will do as 2 Nephi 25 directs (bolds mine):
…for the right way is to believe in Christ and deny him not…
…And now behold, I say unto you that the right way is to believe in Christ, and deny him not; and Christ is the Holy One of Israel; wherefore ye must bow down before him, and worship him with all your might, mind, and strength, and your whole soul… (vs 28-29)
THE RIGHT WAY-- in all my life, all situations, circumstances, instances, decisions, attitude--THE RIGHT WAY is to believe in Christ and deny him not! Deny him not the opportunity to comfort me, to bring peace to my mind. Allow the time to teach me and help me learn what I need to learn. Deny Him not my agency in allowing the Father's will to be done and not mine.
The right way/answer is always CHRIST! The application is huge. One can ask, How would Christ handle this. What would he do. What did he do (when rejected, mocked, spit upon, walked lonely/friendless paths). How was His attitude. How was His faith even when he asked to have the bitter cup removed, but it was not! His way, should/needs to be my way.
Jesus is the Christ!! Deciding in the light, what I will be/hold onto when surrounded by "dark". I will be HIS! I know easier said than done. But like Myrna, I may not have the burden lifted, but HE can/will help me through them.
Oh I LOVE Valentine's Day!! God so LOVES US!! YOU!! ME!! Keep trusting in Him. All things shall work together for our good!
God, so loves YOU!
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