Getting Answers

 

I had a cool experience that I wanted to remember.  A few weeks ago I had a zoom meeting that was for teachers in our area.  The general Sunday School President, Mark L. Pace was in the meeting.  He talked for a while and then he opened it up to questions.  We could text questions in.  I texted a question and the meeting ended before he answered my question.  I figured they would get a lot of questions and didn't think much about it.  A few days later I got a text from President Pace answering my question.  It really was an answer to my prayers.  I struggle to feel important or seen and sometimes I can't wrap my mind around Jesus Christ being able to minister to me personally because of how many people there are in this world.  I've never been one to have big spiritual experiences. Sometimes I feel jealous when other people share experiences that they have had.  I'm trying to learn how the Spirit speaks to me.  I think I'm recognizing that I get some answers by thoughts, which is probably why it is hard to recognize them, it's hard to know if they are my own thoughts or promptings.  I think the most common way I receive answers is by a feeling of peace.  I am an anxious person, so it makes sense that Christ would answer me with a feeling of peace, that is what I need!  Unfortunately, those peaceful moments can be very quick and easy to miss.  Anyway, I'm trying to recognize them and write them down.  When I read this text message I felt peace and love.  It was an answer to my prayers to really feel loved and remembered.

This is the question I asked, "How can I help my teenager that is struggling with their testimony?  We are consistent with come follow me.  It think it's hard with out YM/YW, Sunday School and activities.  I love home church, but I think my kids are tired of hearing from mom and dad every Sunday and throughout the week.  We have the kids teach sometimes too. I think we are all missing the extra relationships and teaching from other people at church."

He responded, "Thank you for your heart felt questions.  I wished I had the perfect answers for you.  I think it is true that we are struggling with YW and YM, Sunday School and other activities.  These last six months have not been ideal.  But, I think it has been a great time for our children to witness what really matters to us.  Your example has been ideal...home worship service on Sunday, scripture study with come follow me, and helping your children teach the gospel in the the home.  When I look at it that way, I just want to give you a big hug and thank you and congratulate you for doing such a great work in inviting the spirit into your home! Your children are so blessed to have such wonderful parents! Certainly the blessings President Nelson has promised will rest upon your family. Now, two thoughts are resting on my mind 1) As I read the Book of Mormon, I see over and over again the exhortation to "remember, remember."  Perhaps you could help your children remember how your family came to enjoy the blessings of the Gospel, how you as a couple have determined to hold true to your temple covenants (even in difficult times), and all that Jesus Christ has done, is doing, and will do to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. Help your children remember and better understand their place in the unfolding of the Lord's work in these latter-days.  There is much cause for rejoicing!  Just a thought. 2) Invite them and encourage them to have their own spiritual experiences.  To read the scriptures and pray seeking the direction from the Holy Ghost so that they can know for themselves.  My mom extended that invitation to me.  I think it was a turning point in my life.  I did the spiritual work to find out for myself.    Thank you for sending in your questions. I am not sure if I have been of any real help, but I can assure you that the Lord loves you and your family.  He is pleased with your faithfulness. I have felt it. You are doing a great work in your home.  Best wishes and many thanks for your fine example to the rest of us.  May the Lord bless you and your family always, Mark L Pace.

I was so impressed that he would respond to me and that he would put so much thought and energy into responding.  When I read it, especially where he said that he had felt the Lord's love for my family, I had that peaceful feeling that told me that Jesus Christ loves me and is aware of me.  I'm so grateful for this experience.