Sister Marvetta Hole gave a great lesson today with a talk by Bishop Gary E. Stevenson from April 2014 Conference. The miracle of the Atonement can make up for imperfections in our performance.
Have you ever looked at your life and focused on a particular event/job that takes hours and hours of planning and then is over in the snap of your fingers? How about Thanksgiving, graduation, wedding, a test or any other such event? There are times like this in our lives where the proportion of preparation seems to far out weigh the actual moment.
The story of Noelle Pikus-Pace's participation in the latest winter Olympics. Noted were the hours and years spent in order to even be allowed to compete in these games. Her event is especially noteworthy when you read what it is. " In Noelle’s event, the skeleton, athletes build momentum as they sprint and then plunge headfirst on a small sled. With their faces inches above the ground, they race down a winding, icy track at speeds that top 90 miles (145 km) an hour." In 60 seconds, her attempt is over. Think of the early morning training, the dedication, the support of her family and friends and then recall her bounding into the stands when she won, exclaiming to her family, "We did it!"
Noelle is only one of many who dedicate and sacrifice things in life for her passion, to accept the challenge to be the best.
Now, think of our 4 minutes, the race to return to our Father in Heaven and eternal life. You trained in heaven before coming to earth and now must continue the performance. It is short compared to eternity and so much depends on how we perform now. Do you want to win the eternal life prize? Do you picture yourself standing with the gold medal around your neck? Do so!
As we strive to return to heaven, we have many opportunities along the way to check in and check up on our progress. It is our responsibility to perform at our highest level, keeping the commandments and qualifying for the saving ordinances.
"Self-discipline is needed. Daily prayer, scripture study, and church attendance must be the foundation of your training. A consistent pattern of obeying the commandments, keeping the covenants you have made, and following the Lord’s standard found in For the Strength of Youth is required. ( these guidelines can work for us adults as well as the youth.)
Perhaps you’re aware of things in your life that are threatening to slow or stop your spiritual progress. If so, follow this scriptural counsel: “Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us." In other words, repent. Take advantage of the Savior's gift to us. He will help us when we can't quite get it right., as long as we work toward our gold medal in heaven. The Savior will not leave you all alone. We can feel His love for us through those closest around us. After all, service is a tool the Lord uses to help us help each other.
Sometimes we get in a rut, doing the same things over and over. Then something happens to us and that gives a chance to reevaluate our course and make the necessary corrections. In Alma 34:32 31 Yea, I would that ye would come forth and harden not your hearts any longer; for behold, now is the time and the day of your salvation; and therefore, if ye will repent and harden not your hearts, immediately shall the great plan of redemption be brought about unto you." Repentance is great in that it is a tool we can never wear out.
If you are doing something you know you should not do, make a covenant with yourself to correct your course. Sister Hole related a way to remind yourself what to do when you are trying to get rid of a bad habit. Put a rubber band around your wrist and when you find yourself getting ready to do the thing that you don't want to do, give yourself a good snap of the band as a reminder. She has assured us that it works. Self-discipline kicks in and you get stronger. It is never too late to change/repent. You are never so far from the Savior that you cannot get back if you want to do so.
Your 4 minutes is ticking right now. How are you running your race? “Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us."
I venture to say we all want to make our 4 minute race on earth the outstanding event around. Remember, you are not alone. You are also possibly someone's life line as well.
Through God's grace, our individual races can be gold medal quality if we stay true.
Your bloggess,
Janice
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