I like rain. I mean, I like rain here. Utah rain IS NOT Houston, Texas rain. It is rather pleasant here. But that's not the reason I wanted it to keep raining. I was planning to take a test Saturday morning at the testing center, but when I woke up to pouring rain, I decided to give the rain some time to die down. The thought of walking to the complete opposite end of campus in the cold, pouring rain did not seem the least bit inviting to me. A couple hours passed and I realized that the rain was relentless and that it wasn't going to stop any time soon. So I decided I would have to bite the bullet and just go. I made it to the testing center, cold and wet. I took my test and I started on my way back to the dorm. But my walk back to my dorm was different. There was a certain peace I felt as I walked home [I took the picture on the right as I walked home.] The misty rain and the low-laying clouds produced a sort of beauty that I had not yet recognized. My heart was full and the Spirit touched me as I walked home. I got back to my dorm and wasn't quite sure why that impressed me or what I was supposed to make of the experience.
I didn't have to wait long for an answer. I got an answer-clear as day (see the irony, haha:) during the General Women's Meeting (which, by the way, was amazing. so if you haven't seen it, WATCH IT NOW. You can check out the individual talks, video presentations, and musical numbers here --> https://www.lds.org/general-conference/sessions/2014/10?lang=eng). I think I can confidently say that the quote that has been dubbed the favorite of the meeting was from President Uchtdorf (shocker, huh;) He said:
Maybe it's just me, but I think that many times, because we are imperfect beings, it is hard for us to remember things when they are not physically present. Maybe I didn't phrase that the right way..what I mean, in this case, is: I can't see my Father in Heaven and you can't physically see love...it is abstract. Sometimes, when we can't visually see it, we forget. The rain now is a symbol of my Heavenly Father's love and mindfulness of me. He really is pouring out blessings all the time. He wants more than anything to help me, but it is my own shortcomings that keep me from those blessings. They are always there, always will be. We just have to take them.
Understand now?
I had another profound experience this weekend. Let me just say: I was uncertain and doubtful about coming to a new ward full of college students. I was nervous because I didn't know the bishop or anyone for that matter. But I have zero worries and doubts now-this is where I am supposed to be. I love my bishop-he's awesome. He's very young, but that does by no means mean that he is not wise. He leads and speaks by the power of the Spirit. He did this in fast and testimony meeting yesterday.
The first counselor was about to close the meeting when the bishop hopped up and asked for a minute. His words were simple and few, but they were profound to me, He said:
"If I were to ask all of you right now: how many of you would be willing to serve one another, how many would say yes?"
Everyone.
"But what if I asked: how many of you are willing to be served?"
Very few, if you are honest with yourself.
"How can we expect to serve faithfully and diligently, when almost no one is willing to be served? To serve effectively, we all must allow ourselves to also be on the receiving end. We must allow ourselves to be helped and served."
While his words were quite rational, they were spoken with the power of the Spirit. They pierced my heart. President Uchtdorf's quote was immediately brought to my remembrance. Heavenly Father is always willing to serve me. He is literally raining and pouring out blessings galore all the time! Sometimes, I try to do everything; I try to "run faster than I have strength." My Heavenly Father and brother, Jesus Christ, are ever mindful of me and want to ease my burdens. They want to lighten my load. And they will, BUT it is contingent on my humility and my ability to let them help me. Even when you don't think you need help, take it. Otherwise, like me, at times you may forget that the help is always there.
I love the gospel of Jesus Christ and the peace and joy it provides. I am so thankful for inspired leaders--both local and general. Heavenly Father knows just what we need. He knows us individually and is mindful of us. Always turn to Him. He will always love you and always help you. I promise.
It sounds crazy, but for many of us, I think it is harder to let ourselves be served than it is to provide service.
Allow yourself to be served when the opportunity arises. Let those around you serve you. And most of all, let your Father in Heaven serve you. Let Him help you and benefit from His blessings.
I promise that as you allow yourself to be served and partake of the blessings offered by our Heavenly Father, that you will have more peace and less stress throughout your day-no matter how busy you are.
Have a great week:)