I hated feeling that way, not wanting to go to church on Sunday, when I know how strongly I feel about being a member of The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After praying and pondering about how I could find more meaning in my Sunday worship I received the answer that what I wanted was within my grasp and relied solely on me. The word attitude moved around in my head until I understood that my attitude towards going to church is what needed to change.
Since that day I've made a special effort to prepare myself & my mind each Sunday for worship. I pray each week that I know there is a reason why I'm going and ask that I'll know it when I see/hear it. I also take notes to help keep me focused and participate as much as I can. The result: I come home feeling edified and uplifted, I feel ready to tackle my week and recharged to face my struggles, but the best part, I come home knowing why I went to church that day. I will hear it in a lesson, a talk, from one of the primary children, or talking with one of my neighbors. Sometimes it's an answer to one of my prayers, sometimes it's recognizing a service I can do for one of my neighbors, sometimes I hear something I think will be valuable to one of my friends. Whatever the answer I always leave knowing why I was there and have a better understanding of my purpose.
It's another lesson to me just how much I can learn and grow by changing my attitude and seeking the guidance of the spirit.
Here is a quote from Elder Holland that stood out to me today. The entire talk, Lessons From Liberty Jail, is fabulous as well if you have some time and would like to read it.
"Regarding our earthly journey, the Lord has promised, “I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up” (D&C 84:88). That is an everlasting declaration of God’s love and care for us, including—and perhaps especially—in times of trouble." ~Elder Holland (Ensign | Sept. 2009)
Have a great Sunday.
xoxo
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P.S. Just a quick reminder that tomorrow is the 12th and you know what that means...another month of 12of12. Looking forward to another summer installment. Happy shooting and remember it's never to late to begin.
6 comments:
Thanks so much! I really needed those words today!
You don't know me, but I love your blog and have always felt uplifted and inspired by reading it. Not to mention the fact that I adore your photography.
I came home from church today in tears. I blame it on a 14 month old that I'm chasing through the halls for 3 hours and the fact that I'm 34 weeks pregnant. But, I do look forward to someday being able to hear more than a couple words and feeling the spirit again. It's what keeps me going.
Thank you for the reminder that a lot of it really is our choice and our attitude. :)
Hi Meghan, it is so hard during those years when you have little restless toddlers. I remember them well and wonder at times how I ever stayed and chased them through the halls. I didn't get a lot out of church then, but was so grateful I went because my girls have learned how to be reverent & sit through sacrament. It does get better. Don't give up, you will one day be able to sit and listen.
It's so true that you absolutely get out of it what you put into it. Thanks for the nice thought.
I remember feeling very frustrated with church back when the Landon was in the horrible 12-18 month stage of prenursery life. I felt so discouraged wandering the halls, but I did it. There is always something to be gained by going to church, even if it doesn't always feel like it. I also think that we get out of it what we put into it, so if uninterrupted focus isn't possible then hopefully we can catch snippets of talks and music that will help us feel the spirit and do better during the week.
I really needed to read these words as well as some from other recent posts you have written. I have recently gone through an experience that was/is so painful. It truly made me realize that I need to make my life what I want it to be. While very painful and at times not making any sense, the experience has taught me where my true loyalties need to lie, where my time is best spent and that I need to make a vigilant effort to protect that. Since church does not allow me to avoid the situation, I really appreciated these words. They will help me focus on why I need to be there and that there is great purpose in going each week, that my Heavenly Father does love me (which has been shown to me throughout this experience) and that my value goes far deeper than how others view me.
You are amazing!
P.S. Are you thinking of going back to school for graphic design or interior decorating design?
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