A Relief Society president in Ghana understood the “glories” related to the temple. Talking to some visitors to her ward, she took a small folded piece of paper from her purse and said reverently, “I am a temple recommend holder.” It may be years before she can afford to go to the temple in London or Johannesburg, but she has a reminder that she is worthy and willing. The Lord asks no more. (See Don L. Searle, “Ghana: A Household of Faith,” Ensign, Mar. 1996, 37.)
I am thankful for faithful followers who set perfect examples for the rest of us. This simple expression of devotion has guided my family through our distant goals. Ours don’t involve miles to travel or expenses to pay, but we must wait upon the heart. Sometimes the heart takes a long time to soften. As I waited for my chance to go to the temple, I clung to this sweet, simple idea. If I couldn’t go, I would live as if I was a temple recommend holder. I wanted to represent the Lord to the best of my ability through my dress, words and actions. Even though it took 20 years before it was my opportunity to go, I believe this attitude prepared me for a temple experience that was beyond beautiful and life-changing.
As each of my children approach the age of 8, they have a great desire to be baptized. They pray hard for the “yes” response, yet so far it hasn’t come. I teach them this same principle; live as if you have been baptized and wait for your opportunity, when it comes you will be ready. We go over the baptism covenants that are made and the promises that God gives in return. I tell them to take those promises upon them in attitude. I have watched as they each do just that, and it has given them an extra protective shield during the battles of life.
Luke is 12 now. The other day we were taking about this same attitude with the priesthood. He should dress as if he was prepared to pass the sacrament, so that the Lord knows he’s ready. This is different for him because my boys all wear colored button ups and jeans like their dad. I’m not even sure we know how to tie a tie, but we will learn. We are going to go buy slacks, a white shirt and a tie. That way he will be ready when his turn comes.
This same idea is one that I encourage my children to do as they go through their teenage years. Make a list of qualities you want the person you marry to possess, then prayerfully seek to be that person. As you prepare to live the standards that you most desire to find in others, remember that somewhere out there is another person striving for the same goal and looking for the same person. The Lord will guide you to one another if you are faithful and trusting in allowing God to lead you.
What about job opportunities? It’s the same idea. If you are working a job that is not the caliber that you desire, then work hard where you are. Go the extra mile. Keep your eyes open for opportunities, and when they come be ready. We saw this with one of our drivers. She was making just small hourly pay to work as we needed. She was always available and dependable. We had a manager leave suddenly, and our driver asked for a shot at the management position. We gave her the opportunity because she had proven herself where she was. She has been one of our best managers out of 22 years of business. She was ready when the chance cane.
We tell our kids the same thing for sport. If you don’t feel like the coach appreciates your abilities or potential then work hard to show him. Practice and prepare as if you are the star player, and then wait for your opportunity. When it comes be ready. Mark has a relative that was a great example to our boys of this attitude. In college he planned to be the starting quarterback, but when he got there he was second string. He worked hard that year, and then transferred to a smaller school. At the smaller school he believed he would be the starting quarterback for sure; but when he got there, he was, once again, second in line. He spent the next two years preparing as if he already was the main quarterback. His senior year, the top quarterback got hurt and it was Kyle’s opportunity to play. He had worked hard for the whole season and was ready to step up. He had a great season and is now in the pros playing for the Vikings. His pro story was similar. It wasn’t easy, but he just kept doing his part, regardless of who beloved in him. He prepared so that when his chance came, he was ready.
Each of us can prayerfully seek to know what we can do to prepare ourselves for the desired blessings we seek. As we prepare, we show the Lord that we are serious, and he in turn blesses us. Besides, when the time to perform arrives, the time to prepare is over. It’s too late. We need to work hard and live to represent who we know we can become. As we do this we will be ready to embrace opportunity when it arrives.
“In the sight of the Lord, it is not so much what we have done or where we have been but much more where we are willing to go.” -Elder Edward Dube
-Sherri Jorgensen
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