Today I have been in a very reflective mood. I started the day off very early
with a beautiful service opportunity, and made a good new friend in the process
of helping Gods children around me. I have heard it said that you have not
lived until you do something for someone who can never repay you. Lately, I
have found so much joy and peace in service, and it has taken a step forward in
my day to day priority. There is something so liberating and elevating, and yes
I’m doing it: enlightening, about doing something for another child of God that
they cannot do for themselves. I think service holds such so much importance,
because it is in fact, a beautiful way to emulate our Savior. He did the
ultimate service- did that thing that none of us will ever be capable of doing
by ourselves. He did the thing we can never fully repay Him for. And He gives
that gift to us over and over, a new chance to make the most of it every single
day of our lives. His atonement is continuous.
Elder Derek A Cuthbert said, “Service changes people. It refines,
purifies, gives a finer perspective, and brings out the best in each one of us.
It gets us looking outward instead of inward. It prompts us to consider others’
needs ahead of our own. Righteous service is the expression of true charity,
such as the Savior showed.” I love serving because I truly believe the words of
Moroni, when he said, "if ye have not charity, ye are nothing."
As I mentioned my thoughts have been
everywhere today. But they continuously come back to the idea of light. (there
seems to be a theme going on here, huh?) I have been thinking about the idea
that light always exists somewhere. Never in any point in time is it ever
completely dark in all the universe. But the thing is, sometimes we are not in
a position to see it. Whether there are things standing between the light and
us (sin), whether it is distance from the source of that light that is
hindering us (pride), or maybe: just maybe, we have our eyes closed to the
light that is right in front of us. Whatever the reasoning may be, we are
created to live in light. The fact that we are not enjoying a life full of
light and truth does not change the integrity of the light, or the purity from
which it springs.
Sometimes, I feel like being here at
BYU-Idaho, we get so much light. All the time. So often, there is an
uninterrupted flow of the Spirit in my life. And sometimes, I worry that I get
casual in receiving that light. Is it possible to be blinded by that very light
we seek? Is it possible to become passive about our discipleship by the very
act of being a disciple?
I am going to wager, and say that yes, indeed it is.
And how does it happen? It is when we lose the intent of our worship. It is
when the mere motions become the MO, and no longer is the heart involved in the
process. We can see the light of Christ with our eyes all day long. But if the
light never sinks to our hearts, we are never any better than the people in the
time of Christ, who witnessed all His miracles, but never let those miracles
change their behavior.
So I guess what I mean to say by this long
winded reflection... Step one: Open your eyes to the light that is right in
front of you. Step two: Let that light change your heart. Step Three: Serve
people and let that light shine in your countenance.
Doctrine and Covenants 121:4
"O Lord God Almighty, maker of heaven, earth, and seas, and
of all things that in them are, and who controllest and subjectest the devil,
and the dark and benighted dominion of Sheol—stretch forth thy hand; let thine
eye pierce; let thy pavilion be taken up; let thy hiding place no longer be
covered; let thine ear be inclined; let thine heart be softened, and thy bowels
moved with compassion toward us."
Live in the light, by radiant friends.
-Jamie
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