Being an Instrument

I went visiting teaching last week and was so glad that it was my turn to give the message. I always read it, even when it's not my turn, but I was glad that I got to read it and think about it while knowing I was going to be sharing it that night. The message is about becoming an instrument in the Hands of God, which goes along well with some of the things we've been discussing on my blog this week (i.e., commenting because YOU have something to say that is unique from everyone else).

Anyway, I love the whole message and love ALL the quotes, so it was hard to narrow it down, but I ended up sharing this one from Kathleen H. Hughes.

"The Lord has touched my spirit time and again, and more often than not, His touch has reached me through the hand of a friend...Perhaps [we] would feel more of His love if [we] looked for His hand in the actions of those who care for [us]."

{Blurry basket of goodness from Michelle}

I was really struck by the way she said we would feel more of His love if we looked for His hands in the actions of those around us. We're always focusing on being the hands that reach out to those around us (which is great, ideal and still the point), but how often do we fail to recognize the hands of those that DO reach out to us and do we recognize that they could be an answer to our prayers? It's fascinating isn't it?

I also shared this quote from President Faust.

"You can be powerful instruments in the hands of God to help bring about this great work...You can do something for another person that no one else ever born can do."

{Jenn with her 5th child}

Seriously? I can do something that no one else EVER born can do?? That's amazing isn't it? It's hard to see this as being likely in ourselves, but wouldn't you say that's definitely true of other people in your life? Why are we so hard on ourselves? I've written about this before (can't remember when) but it's one of those repeating epiphanies for me. I believe the adversary tries to fill our minds with self-doubt because it keeps us from being the best we can be, and ultimately keeps us from fulfilling our potential and benefiting others. Doesn't it seem so simple when you look at it that way?

When I was visiting teaching the other night we were visiting a 67 year old sister who I just love. She plays the organ in our ward and was just called to be a Relief Society Teacher. I was asking her how she felt about her new calling, and she was saying how nervous she was and that she's so intimidated by all the sisters that are more knowledgeable than she is. I ended up pep-talking her and trying to remind her that if she gives in to that self-doubt and worry then she won't be able to deliver the message she's capable of giving. I know I've struggled with feelings like that before, but ultimately I always have faith that I was put in that position for a reason and that I'm there to convey a message (and it's NOT about me!).

It's liberating to let go of the self-doubt, fear, and negativity that so easily creeps into our minds. We are capable of great things (as evidenced by our blogs and the outpouring of goodness on Kristi's birthday). This is reminding me of the quote I posted about last month from Marianne Williamson.

{Kristi's porch on her birthday!}

Here is another great quote from the VT message this month, this one is from President Hinckley.

"There is no end to the good we can do, to the influence we can have with others. Let us not dwell on the critical or the negative. Let us pray for strength; let us pray for capacity and desire to assist others. Let us radiate the light of the gospel at all times and all places, that the Spirit of the Redeemer may radiate from us."

It's interesting to me that he said we should pray for the capacity and desire to assist others. I don't usually pray for ways to feel, but it's interesting to me that I can. I have been blessed with a desire to assist others, but I'm lacking in many other areas so it is comforting to me that I can pray for the desire to attend the temple, read my scriptures, or pray more thoughtfully.

**What do you think??**

P.S. It was just amazing to me that I could find so many pictures of people serving me or others just by flipping through my Smugmug galleries. My good mail gallery alone is enough to reduce me to a blubbering idiot. I am blessed. The Lord's Hands have reached me many times through all of you. Thanks.