Spiritual Guidance

Well, after a LONG drought here, I'm back - hopefully I can be a more regular writer here...

I was thinking just this morning - I don't know what brought it to my mind - about the blessings I've received in the ward that I'm in. It has been an interesting time as far as wards go recently, since I'm single and over the 31-year single ward limit. Just last year the limit was enforced in my singles stake, so my records were moved to the regular ward in the neighborhood. At the time, I felt nudges to go to another singles ward in the area whose boundaries include two entire cities and whose age limit is "officially" relaxed. But, for various reasons, I decided that it was time to be content with my lot and make the most of a regular ward.

A couple of months later I began remembering those nudges, so I decided to go once and see how I liked it. To be honest, I wasn't too impressed. But, a friend of mine who attends that ward took me aside and explained why I was needed in the ward. That, together with the spiritual promptings that continued, convinced me to stay.

That was 8 months ago. I can't say I've always enjoyed the ward, or felt at home in it, but I can say this. I have met some amazing friends - the kind that will support and inspire me through my lifetime. I have become more tolerant of others and more sensitive to their trials and difficulties. And I have had marvelous opportunities to teach and to serve. I have taught Elder's Quorum a few times, and I am a Sunday School teacher. I've learned much about teaching and about the Spirit, even to the extent that I am astounded at the end of a lesson at the Lord's magnifying power.

That's how it is so often. Life's greatest opportunities, experiences, and adventures so frequently begin with some small nudge, some tiny piece of insight, some seemingly small decision toward the right. How thankful I am that the Lord honors our obedience to His graciously-given guidance!