That doesn't mean it's easy.
For some time now, more than a year, my wife and I have been struggling with something that is at once very personal and affects our family and others. In retrospect, the way seems so clear, so easy, and so right. But for some reason I was not able to see the way. I don't know that the occlusion came from within myself or from external sources. Regardless, there was no clear answer.
A year is a long time to struggle with something. Especially when you are as impatient as I am.
Maybe that's what I needed to learn in all of this: patience and humility. I am certainly not strong at either of these things. But I am getting there.
And in the end, my wife and I sat in the Houston Temple, contemplating our situation. The answer came in a clear and undeniable way. Gentle feelings and promptings entered into my mind and I KNEW what to do. I cannot describe these feelings. Those of you who have experienced these things know what I am referring to. Those of you who have not, please do what you need to in your life to get them. It is the sweet and pure fruit of the Spirit. I am awed and overcome by the memory of it, wishing I could have that all the time. I guess in a way I do.
The prompting was confirmed through action. It is true that the Spirit always prompts to some kind of action, usually involving an increase of faith and love and humility and repentance. But when I am child-like and humble, I am led by Him. What else do I need? What else could there be? What else could I possibly want in my life?
I am at turns saddened by my own pride and arrogance and gladdened by the love of a merciful Heavenly Father who hasn't given up on me yet. He must see more in me than I am able to...
Perhaps there's a lesson in that, too.
Invariably, when these feelings come and are acted upon, the result is immediate and undeniable. The effects are eternal. And it makes us more receptive to the promptings in the future.
I hope I am always able to understand and feel these things.
For some time now, more than a year, my wife and I have been struggling with something that is at once very personal and affects our family and others. In retrospect, the way seems so clear, so easy, and so right. But for some reason I was not able to see the way. I don't know that the occlusion came from within myself or from external sources. Regardless, there was no clear answer.
A year is a long time to struggle with something. Especially when you are as impatient as I am.
Maybe that's what I needed to learn in all of this: patience and humility. I am certainly not strong at either of these things. But I am getting there.
And in the end, my wife and I sat in the Houston Temple, contemplating our situation. The answer came in a clear and undeniable way. Gentle feelings and promptings entered into my mind and I KNEW what to do. I cannot describe these feelings. Those of you who have experienced these things know what I am referring to. Those of you who have not, please do what you need to in your life to get them. It is the sweet and pure fruit of the Spirit. I am awed and overcome by the memory of it, wishing I could have that all the time. I guess in a way I do.
The prompting was confirmed through action. It is true that the Spirit always prompts to some kind of action, usually involving an increase of faith and love and humility and repentance. But when I am child-like and humble, I am led by Him. What else do I need? What else could there be? What else could I possibly want in my life?
I am at turns saddened by my own pride and arrogance and gladdened by the love of a merciful Heavenly Father who hasn't given up on me yet. He must see more in me than I am able to...
Perhaps there's a lesson in that, too.
Invariably, when these feelings come and are acted upon, the result is immediate and undeniable. The effects are eternal. And it makes us more receptive to the promptings in the future.
I hope I am always able to understand and feel these things.
Comments
Knowing you and your sweet wife, I know that your hearts will always lead you in the direction the spirit will lead you. To do otherwise would be contrary to who you are inside, and you are, above all else, true and faithful to what is right. It seems to be innate within you both. Its why I love you both so much.
I'm proud of you for your decision, whatever it was, particularly because of how hard it was for you to arrive at.
Decisions are hurtful sometimes. We would like to think otherwise, but not so. Please, always choose the right, no matter what it costs you. When it comes time for accounting to the Master some day soon, that is all that will matter. And I knew that is what you would do anyway.
Please help with my problem if you can re: vietnamese nurse dilemma. I have acted like young American stupid man, and must make amends. Please call. Feeling very lost about what to do next. Thanks.
You have a beautiful soul, and it is NOT your fault you didn't come to this conclusion sooner.
Remember our discussion the other day? I have spent my whole life learning that "Not in my time, but thine" is the way He works, and the right things happen when they are meant to, when He has made us ready.
You are working as one of His angels and through you, others are being blessed for their own faith. Maybe their faith was the hold up and not your own. It is a testament to your own faith, and YS's that the minute the inpsiration was presented, your answer was a resounding yes.
You are both beautiful people, inside and out, and God is proud of you.
On an odd note, my word verification for this post is foricher LOL
Remember typical wedding vows? For richer and for poorer, for richer doesn't always mean something monetary. Your spirits are richer in faith today than they were yesterday.
Love to your family.
Still need your dear abbey advice regarding asian customs. I am an idiot in these matters, and you and youghshin can advise like zen masters. Please call.
Thank you.
[bows deeply]
Still need your dear abbey advice regarding asian customs. I am an idiot in these matters, and you and youghshin can advise like zen masters. Please call.
Thank you.
[bows deeply]accci
I am indebted to you, for sharing you invaluable prayers, wisdom, and insights. I am only a child in so many things. Thank you for helpful counsel. Please frgive if I crossed any improprieties in my inquiries. You were the font of knowledge and the pinnacle of circumspection.
I admire such shining wisdom, for your years.
Thank you.
[bow of greatest respect]
Miss you at work. You're a good man.