The blessings of the gospel and the worldwide church

Because we are in the process of changing to a new ward (in our church, a ward signifies a congregation in a certain geographical area), I have been reflecting on the blessing of the gospel in my life. I am, of course, saddened to leave the Strongsville Ward because I will miss all the wonderful people we have learned to love there. But I feel comforted because I know the church is a worldwide church. It is true everywhere, and you can find it in every place that has allowed it to be. I am thankful to know that in the Shaker Heights Ward, we will have a bishop who has been called of God to guide and serve us. I am grateful to know that we will have callings (specific responsibilities that we are called to fulfill) in which we will have many opportunities to serve, learn and grow. I am thankful to know that we will have Home Teachers and Visiting Teachers, and we will also be called to that great work. There will be many people in our new ward whom we can reach out to and who will reach out to us.

I encourage all of you who have been members of the church for a long time to befriend a new member. Oh, how they need you, and how much more do you need them! My new friend, Shelly, who was baptized last year has been such a blessing to me. She has helped to remind me how precious the truths of the gospel are, and not to take them for granted. Most people don't know the comforting principles and truths that I know, which lead me every day. They do not know where to turn for peace, for revelation and guidance, for answers to their problems. Yet, I have been blessed to know, and I mustn't keep it to myself. I must teach it to my family, and my friends, and to anyone who has ears to listen. Today, Shelly said (something to the effect), "There are so many people who have moved in and out of the ward since I've come, and they don't seem so terribly upset by it. I think I am beginning to learn why. They have peace because they know that this life isn't it. They know what happens after this life and that we will have eternity to continue our relationships." She is right. It is so good to know that I will see my friends again, not just in this life, but that we can visit through the eternities.

I have been the Gospel Doctrine (Sunday School) teacher in my ward for a few months. Today I taught this lesson. "Lesson 9: “Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God”," New Testament Gospel Doctrine Teacher’s Manual, (2002)

It contained this story:

Elder Marvin J. Ashton described a meeting in which a group of Church members considered the question “How can you tell if someone is converted to Jesus Christ?”:

“For forty-five minutes those in attendance made numerous suggestions in response to this question, and the leader carefully wrote down each answer on a large chalkboard. All of the comments were thoughtful and appropriate. But after a time, this great teacher erased everything he had written. Then, acknowledging that all of the comments had been worthwhile and appreciated, he taught a vital principle: ‘The best and most clear indicator that we are progressing spiritually and coming unto Christ is the way we treat other people.’”

Elder Ashton added: “The way we treat the members of our families, our friends, those with whom we work each day is as important as are some of the more noticeable gospel principles we sometimes emphasize” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1992, 25; or Ensign, May 1992, 20).

This makes me want to strive even more to treat my good, faithful husband with love; to let my parents know how much I appreciate what they have done for me; to call my siblings more often and be a part of their lives, and to let them know they are in my prayers; to reach out to those around me, no matter how different or even unfriendly. Everyone has a story; everyone has a trial (or many); everyone needs the love and compassion that we can each give to each other.

It is my hope that this week, I can do better to treat those around me how I would like to be treated. I will strive more diligently to follow the example of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and look to lift the hands that hang down and strengthen the feeble knees. I don't have much I can give, but I can smile at someone, or express thanks, or say a kind word or compliment. I can be patient with someone. I can fill my home with love.