Elder Eyring’s Questions

  Sunday our lesson for YW was on record keeping. Blogging has been a blessing in that way for me. I am a better record keeper because of it. Sister Hoth was teaching and she reminded me of a talk that I remember from Elder Eyring where he taught about keeping records for his children, particularly keeping track of the times that he recognized a blessing from the Lord. His purpose was to Remember. Just like in the Book of Mormon, our lives will be determined by what we choose to remember. Elder Eyring said that for several years he has written the answer to these questions each night, no matter how tired he was. Sister Hoth reminded me of the invitation he gave to try doing the same thing. Pondering over blessings, but in particular noticing the hand of the Lord in our lives.

Here are the questions:

1.  Did God send a message that was just for me?

2.  Did I see His hand in my life or the lives of my children?

Well after I got home, I sort of forgot that I wanted to remember and do what Elder Eyring had done. I was frustrated with some things going on, and feeling sorry for myself. I was struggling with feeling hope and enduring to the end. Then I received one of those messages from God. It came while I was studying the last talk of the October Conference, as I read Elder Uchtdorf’s message about forget me not’s. And this morning as I read the words from Elder Uchtdorf to forget not that God loves you, I knew it was a message for me that day. And I remembered that I wanted to remember them and write them down as Elder Eyring had said.

First, I received the message I needed to hear to keep working and doing what the Lord asks of me. I was feeling so useless in my service, just not seeing any results with those I work with. And wondering if what I offer is acceptable. The next day I read these words: “While understanding the “what” and the “how” of the gospel is necessary, the eternal fire and majesty of the gospel springs from the “why.” When we understand why our Heavenly Father has given us this pattern for living, when we remember why we committed to making it a foundational part of our lives, the gospel ceases to become a burden and, instead, becomes a joy and a delight. It becomes precious and sweet….The “what” and “how” of obedience mark the way and keep us on the right path. The “why” of obedience sanctifies our actions, transforming the mundane into the majestic. It magnifies our small acts of obedience into holy acts of consecration.” I realized I need to remember why I do what I do. And make sure I don’t get caught in the trap of doing something for the wrong reasons. I want to serve because that is what the Lord wants me to do, not because I will see the “results” of my labors.

Second, I received the message I needed to hear, that even when I feel alone I need to remember that God loves me. I read these words: “You are not forgotten. Sisters, wherever you are, whatever your circumstances may be, you are not forgotten. No matter how dark your days may seem, no matter how insignificant you may feel, no matter how overshadowed you think you may be, your Heavenly Father has not forgotten you. In fact, He loves you with an infinite love.”

I paused in my reading to say a silent prayer and just sit quietly with my tears and the “tingle” I felt, letting my heart communicate with the Spirit. And thanking my Heavenly Father for that message.