Since I missed testimony meeting today...
This year we've been reading the Old Testament together before bed, and even though it's slow going I often find myself reflecting on the very different sort of religious devotion that was expected back then. It's interesting how much focus was placed on tangible, outward signs. At the same time, I do sometimes wish for a bit more tangibility in what I do to show God my devotion. This week I've been thinking a lot about gratitude and how I really do feel incredibly grateful that I was able to deliver a healthy baby and survive the experience myself. I really don't feel that what happened last Sunday night was entirely just chance or serendipity at work.
Being a linguistic nitpicker, I've often been bothered by the fact that some people will get up in testimony meeting and spend their whole time talking about thankful they are, rather than expressing testimony, which to me has always been more about what you believe or even what you know. Also, I've been bothered by the compulsion people feel to "thank Heavenly Father publicly for what he's done", since I was always under the impression that He preferred private devotion rather than public. But I also realized this week that in order to be thankful, we must acknowledge that we either know or believe that God exists. You have to know who you are thanking, right? So, even though I stand by my belief that perhaps God doesn't need our public thanks in testimony meeting, I can understand a little better. I feel pretty darn thankful myself this week. I do wish there was some more tangible way to let God know that.
I forget who said it and I'm too lazy to look it up, but someone (Spencer W. Kimball?) once said that God usually answers our prayers through other people. I am also grateful for all the friends and family who have been helping us out. Having a baby is hard for a lot of reasons and it's nice to know people are there for you. My parents came up and spent a few days and it was so great to have them here. My mom cooked and cleaned for us, and my dad spent lots of time playing with S-Boogie. The best part was when they took S-Boogie to Wyoming with them for a little overnight trip on Friday. That is a true demonstration of love. Plus my mom brought me back a beautiful bouquet of lilacs from my grandma's yard. I've also appreciated all the visits and emails and other things from friends. I hope I can be there for them when they need me. That's probably the best way to express gratitude for what other people do--give a little something back someday.
Being a linguistic nitpicker, I've often been bothered by the fact that some people will get up in testimony meeting and spend their whole time talking about thankful they are, rather than expressing testimony, which to me has always been more about what you believe or even what you know. Also, I've been bothered by the compulsion people feel to "thank Heavenly Father publicly for what he's done", since I was always under the impression that He preferred private devotion rather than public. But I also realized this week that in order to be thankful, we must acknowledge that we either know or believe that God exists. You have to know who you are thanking, right? So, even though I stand by my belief that perhaps God doesn't need our public thanks in testimony meeting, I can understand a little better. I feel pretty darn thankful myself this week. I do wish there was some more tangible way to let God know that.
I forget who said it and I'm too lazy to look it up, but someone (Spencer W. Kimball?) once said that God usually answers our prayers through other people. I am also grateful for all the friends and family who have been helping us out. Having a baby is hard for a lot of reasons and it's nice to know people are there for you. My parents came up and spent a few days and it was so great to have them here. My mom cooked and cleaned for us, and my dad spent lots of time playing with S-Boogie. The best part was when they took S-Boogie to Wyoming with them for a little overnight trip on Friday. That is a true demonstration of love. Plus my mom brought me back a beautiful bouquet of lilacs from my grandma's yard. I've also appreciated all the visits and emails and other things from friends. I hope I can be there for them when they need me. That's probably the best way to express gratitude for what other people do--give a little something back someday.
Comments
And we join you, in expressing gratitude that you and baby are safe and healthy.
Yes.
And thank you.
"We often hear some members, and especially children, bear their testimonies, listing things for which they are thankful: their love of family, the Church, their teachers, their friends. For them, the gospel is something that they are grateful for because it makes them feel happy and secure. This is a good beginning, but testimonies need to be much more...Our testimony meetings need to be more centered on the Savior, the doctrines of the gospel, the blessings of the Restoration, and the teachings of the scriptures. We need to replace stories, travelogues, and lectures with pure testimonies."
So, it's not that it's bad to thank Heavenly Father or your friends, but that is not the main purpose of a testimony meeting. That being said, it is nice to hear that you were an answer to someone's prayer or that in some way something you did helped others and that they're grateful.
Thanks.
I'm glad to hear your friends and family are being so helpful! I like to hope that mine will be when I get there, too.