Me Thinks

Last Sunday a sister in the ward shared her testimony. She also spoke about her father and how he had taught her joy in living gospel principles.  Fasting for him was joyful, as was paying tithing and attending church meetings. This sister learned to love the gospel from her father. 

Matthew and I have talked a few times since about this principle.  Have we shared with our children and grandchildren how sweet the fruit of the tree tastes? Are we beckoning to them to come and share in the fruit of the tree (the love of God) and enjoy its deliciousness? Are we testifying of how joyful the gospel is to us? Is this something you say, or can people pick it up by the way you act?

I remember once as a child saying something slightly negative about Sunday and my father said simply, "Sunday is my favorite day!" 

I remember my mother's happiness as she served in various callings.

I remember watching my parents feast on General Conference. They listened to every word and lapped it up.

I don't remember hearing complaints or negativity about the church, the doctrines of the church, or the prophet. I am grateful for this. My parents found joy in the gospel and so do I.

"How can anyone walk the covenant path if they have not been shown the way? Should we be surprised that those who have not had the covenant path revealed to them stumble? Can we be loyally devoted to God, to follow in His footsteps if we don't know how to walk or where to walk?"

(Taylor Halerson The Covenant Path in the Bible and the Book of Mormon)

This is a reminder to me to be intentional and teach the covenant path.

Mormonism is an optimistic, forward-looking faith.  Our cheerfulness comes precisely because we are so confident in Christ's redemption.  Hope is emboldening and liberating. Hope orients and anchors us in the midst of chaos.

(Patrick Mason in Planted: Belief and Belonging in an Age of Doubt)

We have every reason to be happy, optimistic, and hopeful.