So you are probably wondering what the two have in common? I will get to that; first let me review my weekend.
On Friday my loving wife informed me that I had “once again” flooded the basement by leaving the sprinklers on too long. She wasn’t mean about it. She wasn’t super nice about it, simply justified frustration I think. (I am grateful for that even if I deserved the worst.)
Saturday we had Mother’s day and Nat’s birthday at my moms. It was great to see family and to see the grandkids, they make me so happy and feeling old.
Saturday afternoon I had to go to the Stake House and set up for the meetings we were having for Stake Conference. The meetings were great. It is not very often that I get a “Oh Wow” moment from a Church talk but each of them had a oh wow. Talks were on Single parents, faith, grace enduring to the end, doing the little things.
The 1st counselor talked about grace and how we know we are saved by grace, 100% but we do the works to practice since once we make it, there will be a lot of work.
The 2nd counselor talked about doing the little things and having them add up to great things. He told the story of what would you chose to take 1 million dollars or a penny. If it is the Million you get in right away, if you choose the penny you get it after 31 days. During those 31 days it will be placed in the bank and will double every day until 31 days is over. What would you chose? Do the math it is a Oh Wow moment.
The President talked about marrying up and how that means that someone married down. He said he likes to think he married up and his wife took on a long term project…I like that thought especially when I flood the basement. He also talked about how the charge to be perfect is a couple thing and without your spouse you will not do it easily…(Nat never floods the basement I might add)
So this got me thinking on the atonement. Several years ago our Stake studied the atonement for a whole year and the guide went into some deep items, but the more I study the simpler it is.
I liken it to a priest kneeling down to bless the sacrament. He knows, as we all know, that the prayer has to be word perfect, nothing less. He begins and goofs up, then, he simply starts over. If he goofs up again he once more simply starts over. There is nothing in scripture or the Church Handbook that says he is only allowed X number of times to get it right. There is no giant arm that will reach down from the ceiling after goof #5 and throw him out of the Church. There is no number of times that will cause the Bishop to get up go over and kick him away from the bench. (I have seen Bishops’ who have lovingly put their arms around a priest and coached him, word by word). I have seen where, after a few times the whole congregation is silently praying for the priest to have divine help. (I have done this even before some start the first time).
I think the atonement and grace are a lot like that. As long as I still have life and breath, when I goof up I simply take a big breath and start the prayer again trying my best to get it right. When I need it the Lord, or Bishop or Stake Leader is there to put their arm around me and coach me word by word. I know that I have a loving wife who is not only my #1 fan and support but also prays for me daily. That thought alone makes me want to be better. I cannot comprehend any part of heaven or eternal happiness, where she is not present.
For this knowledge I am grateful.
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