I did the oddest thing today....I got the kids (all 3, since I'm babysitting this week) down for naps and it was silent for the first time all day.....so I pondered what to do in such silence! And since my thoughts have still been on a talk given on Sunday, I brought out my scriptures and "Scripture Study for LDS Families" and sat down and started to STUDY (my minor miracle of the day). I always make a plan to start to read my scriptures more...on a daily basis....I never get to it, there is always something else to do, something else to read, something else to clean...excuse after excuse. And the guilt builds knowing I've, unfortunately, never completely read the Book of Mormon all the way thru.
But today, I felt a yearning for learning...I contribute that to Sacrament meeting on Sunday....
Two things happened. Part of the sacrament prayer stuck so clearly in my mind: "that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him, and keep his commandments which he hath given them, that they may always have his Spirit to be with them" and I have to admit, I thought it odd that this part was so strongly impressed upon me. Especially thru the dramatics of my children, they make it quite hard to pay complete attention.
Then, one of our speakers, a sweet chick new to our ward... her topic was Scripture Study. She quoted several sources and spoke very eloquently, the entire talk was very enjoyable. The part that stuck with me was about how she and her husband had decided to watch one less show at night and read their scriptures together instead. I thought OH! this couple is after our own heart.... how many shows or books do I bog myself down with! I can't take time to read something as important as my scriptures because of a SHOW! Seriously! How utterly pathetic.
She spoke about choosing....and I don't know why...I've heard this HOW many times in the course of my life...but it just SUNK IN right then.
Choosing to keep the commandments...by choosing to opt to watch the Office another night so I can spend some time immersing myself in the gospel. By choosing not to get on the computer as soon as the girls go down for a nap....but taking just a bit of time each day, a FRACTION of the entire day and study the scriptures...something that has been asked of me time and time again.
I do have to admit, though, that I don't find reading the scriptures an easy task...I have a hard time concentrating on it, and really grasping everything I'm reading. And also...I don't want to just read to read and get it done. I want to study it....STUDY...as in learn about the people and the places and become knowledgable about them and the lessons taught.
I can't guarantee that I'll pick up the scriptures and continue on tomorrow...but I hope I will. I hope I can choose to take some time, give up something meaningless for something meaningful. And how nice will it be to have that Sacrament promise of having "His Spirit to be with them" ...cause I know a bit more Spirit in this household wouldn't be unappreciated. Ü
8 comments:
Cool experience...thanks for sharing it. Something for me to think about...like you said (the talk said) once less TV show...what a concept! I was a seminary teacher for 7 yrs so I always studied....kind of had to, but have realized recently how much I have forgotten...or can't find as quickly since I have gotten out of the habit! I'm thinking...hmmmm once less show a night...that's doable!
One of the things that has made it a little easier for me is incorporating conference talks and Preach My Gospel. Sometimes it is easier for me to study by subject instead of reading from start to finish.
Wow, very enlightening! I need to think the same way. Really, I bog myself down with so much that this girl, who just 3 months ago read her scriptures all the time hasn't opened them in awhile. I read a bit the other day but not enough to really have an impact. So, I am gonna take on the same challenge. Change my way of thinking and resolve to read/study more. It's definitely a small thing to be asked of me considering all that I have been given and blessed with.
Wow!! You made me think and I've definitely not read for a long time. It's just something that doesn't come easy to me. But that is so needed. Thanks for the kick in my butt;)
Preach My Gospel!! I actually bought that 2 years ago? I think...to use for scripture study!! See how bad I am, lol. Thx for the reminder!
Thanks for sharing this! I also struggle with scripture study. I think I'll have to try the Preach my Gospel thing, too.
I am always amazed at how teachable and in tune with the Spirit you always seem to be. Thanks for the inspiration! I need it!
Very well said Sarah! I'm proud of you!
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