A week and a half ago I was asked to play for Sylvia’s baptism. Like all of the baptisms we attend, it was a marvelous experience. Sylvia’s young-adult son has special needs (probably autism), and he wanted to be the one playing the piano. He tried to displace me on the bench as he pounded out a few handfuls of keys. I just smiled at him and teased a little bit about how he could certainly take my place. Some missionaries gathered him and his backpack and gently steered him away. The young man wandered during much of the service, making random sounds, but calmed during the baptism itself in the arms of kind, loving Elders. I was so impressed with the elders, who may have had a “special” person in their families, wards, or schools. They knew how to envelop and to show caring to this child of God. It was their way of welcoming not only his mother but her son into the kingdom of God. It reminded me of the kindnesses of young men to Cameron as he was going through school. When Cameron was on the HHS wrestling team, I was touched over and over by the loving actions of boys from all over the state, who did not know Cam but knew to treat him with respect, love, and generosity. Parents in the Church are doing a great job raising such compassionate men.
Sunday in the 1st Ward Mario Gonzales gave his farewell talk before leaving on his mission to Merida, Mexico. Mario is a third-generation Latter-Day Saint. His parents and grandparents also shared their testimonies. They were all thrilled to have him serve a mission, though it is difficult to send him into perilous circumstances. His younger brother gave an excellent talk on how missionaries are assigned to missions, and his teenage sister (ward chorister) bore her testimony. It was an inspirational meeting! The members here needed to see the example of strength and testimony that can happen through faithful church service over three generations. Not all of our young people have family support. So many of our students are the lone members in their families, and it is difficult for them to remain faithful, get up early for seminary, pay tithes and offerings, read scriptures and pray, and start faithful families of their own. Those families who make the effort to bring their families to church every week and teach the gospel in their homes are building a foundation for generations who will be prepared for the Second Coming. Thanks to new Bishop Orozco (and Sister Orozco) who have brought students to seminary every day, some feel that kind of support and testimony from their leaders.
As we left seminary on Tuesday morning, we were filled with the power of a glorious sunrise. Three of our seminary students were also thrilled at the sight and took several selfies and video to preserve the moment. In viewing that few seconds of video, they saw a “sign” in the heavens—a heart in the stunning clouds hovering over the church steeple. They think it really means something. I think it was a tender mercy sent to bless these faithful “jovenes” who attended early-morning seminary despite the early hour in a week of stress and finals. (Check out the picture!)
The Second Coming is a theme from the Prophet and apostles. President and Sister Nelson talk often about the gathering of Israel (missionary work) and the role of our young people in preparing the world for the Second Coming of the Savior. Elder Holland says he has never seen a prophet emphasize so strongly this theme and that it must mean something! President Torres (our mission president) stressed the responsibility we have to get ready and help others get ready for Jesus to come again. He teaches constantly about the signs. President Torres personally believes that this generation of young people will see the Second Coming, and that is why the Prophet teaches and advocates for this preparation all the time. Did you see the talks by the Nelsons about a recent trip where there were members of all tribes present? The literal gathering of Israel is definitely underway. Amazing! We have been warned.
In 4th Ward on Sunday the Primary sang “If I Were a Shepherd” by Stephanie K. Adams. She wrote it for her neighborhood children to sing as part of her personal “light-the-world” project. I had never heard it before, but it touched my heart with the beautiful music and the message. I looked it up when I got home and found the video and the free music download. She encourages us to use the song in our homes and at church. I especially love the final verse which says: “I’m not a shepherd; I’m not a traveling wise man. I’m not an angel. I love Him just the same. I’m a disciple. I choose to love and serve Him, to follow His commandments, to take upon His name. I’m a disciple. . .I’m a disciple. . .I’m a disciple!” That is my message this Christmastime. I love my Savior Jesus Christ. I am His disciple!
No comments:
Post a Comment