Sunday Thoughts

Lately I have been devouring back issues of The Ensign, which is funny because I've always liked it but haven't ever been good about reading the entire issue (except for the Conference issues). But since I seem to be craving all things spiritual these days, I am going back and reading our back issues cover to cover.

There was a great article in the July issue from President Eyring about being Faithful Friends to Christ and to those around us. As I read it I kept thinking about us as visiting teachers and the power we have to lift each other by being faithful friends.


"In the next few days you will have many opportunities to be a friend for Him. It may be as you walk on a dusty road. It may be as you sit down in a railroad car. It may be as you look for a place to sit in a Church congregation. If you are watching, you will see someone carrying a heavy burden. It may be a burden of sorrow or loneliness or resentment. It may be visible to you only if you have prayed for the Spirit to give you eyes to see into hearts and have promised to lift up the hands that hang down.

The answer to your prayer may be the face of an old friend, one you have not seen in years but whose needs suddenly come into your mind and heart and feel as if they are your own. I’ve had that happen to me. Old friends have reached out to me across the miles and the years to offer encouragement when only God could have told them of my burden.

When we reach out to give succor and to lift a burden. He reaches with us. He will lead us to those in need. He will bless us to feel what they feel. As we persist in our efforts to serve them, we will more and more be given the gift of feeling His love for them. That will give us courage and strength to reach out again and again in faithfulness. And, in time and in eternity, we will feel the joy of being welcomed to the company of His faithful friends."



I don't know about you, but just reading this makes my heart swell with emotion and tears come to my eyes. I can think of so many people I know who are struggling with things ranging from difficult children, depression, unemployment, cancer, spousal issues, life in general and on and on. Who among us couldn't use a friend? And sometimes a gesture, kind word or compliment from someone unexpected is what touches us to our core and reminds us that the Lord is mindful of our needs. I would love to be that person for someone else! I feel driven by that sometimes as I go visiting teaching or as I wrote a note to someone who pops into my mind.

This post popped up on Amy M.'s blog yesterday as one of those "You might also like" widget suggestions and it goes so well with this thought. I am such a such a sucker for a thoughtful note so this one got me (though somehow I missed it when she posted it back in 2008).

**Thoughts??**

Comment Window Tidbit: I'm looking forward to church today and having our first regular (non primary program-related) Sunday in over a month!