Ancient Solution

I saw this video this morning and it gave me such a good feeling.

Do you all remember (I know Mom does) when I was a 11, 12, 13, 14 ish and was compulsive about what I called my "reading and writing"? My little routing was an hour long and would start with 15 minutes of writing in my journal. Then I read 15 in a church magazine like The New Era, then 15 of scriptures, then 15 minutes of prayer. I would freak if I missed a day. And sometimes it was so tempting to skip, especially on Friday nights when I didn't want to miss watching 20/20 with Mom! Mom, I so looked forward to watching that with you, don't know why. That's when I'd have to do my reading early.

During that same era, one of my Young Women's leaders was talking about how when she became a Mom, her spiritual growth stopped. She said when she thought about it, though she hadn't lost her testimony, she realized she hadn't grown any more in the gospel since turning her attention to all the busy things. Remember now, I was obsessive about learning the gospel, so this shocked me! I was thinking lady! are you some sort of crazy? 20 years?!

Well, now I realize just how easy it would be to let that happen. And it has been happening for years now. I gained such a strong testimony and learned so much about the gospel while young and though I haven't lost all those experiences or knowledge, I have lost that constant companion of those peaceful, quiet feelings that only effort of study can give you. And I miss the voice of the Spirit.

This video describes it perfectly. When I make the effort to pray more and read more, those peaceful, joyful feelings return and I can discern what's real, right from wrong. When I am feeling the spirit, I feel pure love and no perceived injustices like the video mentions. Also while feeling in-tune, I am not lulled by the commercial voices or feelings of wanting things. Those quiet feelings make me feel humble and joyful.

The greatest thing this video mentions is that this ancient solution requires patience and effort. That's the hard part. By the time Anika goes to bed, all I want to do is watch TV and rest. So I have decided to use some of the time she is at preschool and dedicate it to reading and prayer. I thought well that's only two measly days but then thought, at least that's more than what I'm doing now! The problem with gaining spiritual knowledge is that it takes effort. Dang it! I hate effort. I want an instant-spirit easy button!

On the other hand, it's as simple as effort. Even today, as I took time to read, it floored me how quickly those good feelings returned. Heavenly Father is so eager for us to put forth our pathetic, tiny effort so he can bless us immensely! Peace, joy, eternal life... the greatest of all gifts.

So I dare you to try it. A little scripture reading. A little prayer. You will also be floored with how quickly Heavenly Father responds with good feelings, with that voice in your 'ears' that says this is the way, walk ye in it.