With tough times surrounding us, it is important (though sometimes forgotten or overlooked) to be reminded of our Savior and His love for us; that He is just as mindful of our struggles, our feelings, our pains as He is our joy, our happiness, and our blessings.
A few weeks ago in Sacrament meeting, it was feeling like the same ol' same ol' Sacrament meeting- we were trying to keep the kids quiet and content and the speakers were background noise (on occasion, I do catch a phrase or two of their talk). But inbetween the 2 speakers, there was a musical number, "I know that my Redeemer Lives" (Hymn #136). Now, this is a favorite hymn of mine. A piano/violin duet. (Before they began, the pianist asked the audience to grab the hymn book and read the words and to join in singing on the 4th verse.) I thought this might be a good opportunity to teach Kate what a violin is and what a beautiful sound it makes. Plus, I figured if she was on my lap, I would possibly be able to enjoy the song. I put her on my lap and quietly sang the words in her ear as they played the first three verses. Then, singing aloud during the fourth verse, I was overwhelmed by the spirit. Overwhelmed with feelings of the love of my Savior. I felt like, like He was proud of me. And the feeling stayed with me throughout the rest of the meetings.
A few weeks ago in Sacrament meeting, it was feeling like the same ol' same ol' Sacrament meeting- we were trying to keep the kids quiet and content and the speakers were background noise (on occasion, I do catch a phrase or two of their talk). But inbetween the 2 speakers, there was a musical number, "I know that my Redeemer Lives" (Hymn #136). Now, this is a favorite hymn of mine. A piano/violin duet. (Before they began, the pianist asked the audience to grab the hymn book and read the words and to join in singing on the 4th verse.) I thought this might be a good opportunity to teach Kate what a violin is and what a beautiful sound it makes. Plus, I figured if she was on my lap, I would possibly be able to enjoy the song. I put her on my lap and quietly sang the words in her ear as they played the first three verses. Then, singing aloud during the fourth verse, I was overwhelmed by the spirit. Overwhelmed with feelings of the love of my Savior. I felt like, like He was proud of me. And the feeling stayed with me throughout the rest of the meetings.
After the block, as we were preparing dinner, I mentioned it to Codye. And I was so happy to discover that he had felt a similar feeling. He felt the spirit and it, too, remained with him as well.
I'm not sure if this counts as a "tender mercy" but, with our daily attempts to read the scriptures and have family prayer before bed, it's just so hard to, I suppose, be in a place where you can feel and recognize the spirit.
Another one: I was putting Kate down the other night, after a long day. She hadn't napped and was up waaaay too late. Later than usual, even for a day when she naps. We said our "personal prayers" and Kate looked at me and said, "We forgot to read our scriptures, mom."
Those words made me feel like we are doing the right thing, as parents. Reading to our kids. Getting them into the habit so that the days we struggle, they can remind us what is right. My heart glowed that night.
I'm not sure if this counts as a "tender mercy" but, with our daily attempts to read the scriptures and have family prayer before bed, it's just so hard to, I suppose, be in a place where you can feel and recognize the spirit.
Another one: I was putting Kate down the other night, after a long day. She hadn't napped and was up waaaay too late. Later than usual, even for a day when she naps. We said our "personal prayers" and Kate looked at me and said, "We forgot to read our scriptures, mom."
Those words made me feel like we are doing the right thing, as parents. Reading to our kids. Getting them into the habit so that the days we struggle, they can remind us what is right. My heart glowed that night.
5 comments:
So amazing. Thanks so much for sharing. That is exactly it. When you feel like something is speaking to you!!!
I am so proud of you! thanks for sharing this wonderful story! we rarely talk to each other about grown up things like testimonies and real spiritual feelings. it's mostly "guess what my kid did today?" stuff. I loved this story and am so grateful that you were touched by the spirit through a hymn. getting my YW to sing a hymn is like pulling teeth so this will be an awesome story to share with them. Thanks!
Now I feel guilty about my coke...
seriously though, I know how hard church can be and I'm sure Kate felt the Spirit as well. You're a great mom! I look up to you and definitely admire your family scripture study habits. awesome!
that's very very sweet!
Jenn- you've been a really good example to me of scripture reading and personal prayers with spencer. i sometimes just think it's enough that we have family prayer but you're right, it's important to start teaching the kids now about their own personal prayers. THANKS!
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