Celebrating Easter by Hearing Him

Life as we knew it has certainly changed, at least temporally. For many, it is a struggle because we have been ask to stay home, distanced from the world rather than going about doing this and that freely. But maybe this change, even though it is hard, is a blessing. I have seen miracles as this different way of living has not only brought me to my knees but the whole world.

The week before Easter is known as Holy Week.  It is the week that included many events leading up Christ's Resurrection. This year I have had the opportunity to ponder more personally those events and what they mean to me. As I was pondering, my eyes were opened to an experience I recently had while visiting Israel just last fall. It reminded me of the importance to slow down and hear Him, something this new way of living has provided an opportunity for us to do this Easter.

When I visit a new place, I love to explore and experience as much I can. My train of thought is that I never know when or if I will ever be back so it is vital I take in as much as possible. The day after my family and I arrived in Israel we decided to visit the Old City of Jerusalem, just down the street from where we were staying. Surrounding the walls of the Old City were places I had only read about in the Bible. And now, for me, they were coming to life. There was so much excitement in the air projecting from the crowds of people. Everyone was there for a similar purpose: to celebrate, experience, and worship.

The buzz of excitement lasted through the entire day. It was exhausting but vital to my energy level if I wanted to see as many places as possible. In the middle of the day, my family decided to split up. My group explored many sites on the Mount of Olives by foot. We walked up and down and around the mount visiting the Garden of Gethsemane and the Orson Hyde Park; seeing olive trees that were possibly there at the time of Christ; and enjoying the view of  Jerusalem at sunset. 

We decided to head over to the Garden Tomb hoping to get in before it closed. We made this our meeting place with other family members as a way to wrap up the day. The walk was uphill, navigating streets and dodging people along the way. I was nervous the entire way for fear it would be too late to see one of the places I most wanted to see. But alas we made it.

The first thing I noticed when I entered the gardens was the feeling compared to the outside world. It feel calm and peaceful. It was a welcome feeling, one that I had felt many times while visiting the temple. I instantly knew this place was special. However, I only chose to pause and enjoy the feeling for a moment because I was so focused on seeing the sites and getting some pictures.

We were told upon entering that there was an overlook to Calvary. I was so excited that I got to see two places in one. I headed over to the lookout only to be disappointed that it was now a bus stop. I got over the disappointment quickly by moving on in my agenda and looking for the legendary skull carved into the hill. I took a picture, paused for a moment and was on my way over to the Tomb.

I was so excited to be able to say "I was there" when I showed pictures of the Tomb. I wanted to get that beautiful picture I could hang on my wall for all to see who entered my home or looked on my social media page. However, before getting my pictures I decided to take in the experience. The public was allowed to go into the Tomb. Wow! What a treat! When we entered, I looked over at my mom and noticed she was emotional. I knew she was having an intimate experience. I craved a spiritual witness too. I wondered why wasn't I feeling those same feelings. That question stuck with me the rest of the week. It only seemed like a natural experience to have in the place as special as this one was.

I did get my pictures, for that is what I initially thought was important. However, I left the Garden Tomb pondering my experience and I longed to go back. That opportunity was afforded me as a tender mercy.

Our original plans changed at the end of the week. We were getting tired of driving through the country and didn't want to travel any great distances. So we decided to see more sites in Jerusalem. The Garden Tomb was one place everyone wanted to see again. This time my heart was ready.

I chose to focused on the Savior, His Atonement, and Resurrection. This was the site were Easter took place and I wanted to feel it.  What I felt there that evening was a special connection between me and my Savior. I felt His love for me. I felt Him listening to my pleas and blessing me with comfort. I bear witness of the significance of the Atonement, Crucifixion, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. I know each event did happen and that Christ lives. And as a tender mercy, I learned what is required to be able to Hear Him.

When Christ visited the Americas, as accounted in the Book of Mormon, our Heavenly Father attempted to get the peoples attention three times before they were able to understand his voice.

And again the third time they did hear the voice, and did open their ears to hear it; and their eyes were towards the sound thereof; and they did look steadfastly towards heaven, from whence the sound came.
And behold, the third time they did understand the voice which they heard; and it said unto them:
Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name- hear ye him. (3 Nephi 11:5-7)

Our Heavenly Father, in His goodness, gives us many times to refocus our attention to hear our Savior. Jesus Christ. Christ has declared unto us, "And behold, I am the light and the life of the world.." (3 Nephi 11:11). His words have been recorded in the Book of Mormon as another testament of Him and his gospel. Joseph Smith testified that as we read the Book of Mormon that "...man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book." (Introduction of the Book of Mormon) His words invite all ..."to come unto him and partake of his goodness..."  This goodness is more than we could ever imagine. But first, we must choose to hear Him.

Similar to my experience at the Garden Tomb, our loving Heavenly Father has given us, as his sons and daughters, an opportunity to refocus our ears and eyes towards is Son this Easter. He wants us to hear Him. He wants us to follow Him.  He wants us to come back to Him someday having experienced a beautiful life of repentance and striving to be like Him each day.

I now look at my pictures of the Garden Tomb as a reminder of the beauty of repentance and the gift I was given in the form of a lesson.  I was taught of how important it is to slow down and focus my attention on my Savior. Heavenly Father is a merciful being. He allowed me to experience something I needed to learn instead of just giving me feelings I thought I was entitled to receive.

I hope at this Easter time, when we have been given a chance to be still and hear His words that we will see the significance of the events that happened the week leading up to our Saviors Resurrection. I hope we will see the endless love he has for all us and the desire he wants us to return to his presence. And I hope that as we hear his words we will have faith to act on those words.

And moreover, I say unto you that there shall be no other name given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent. (Mosiah 3:17)

Thine Afflictions Shall be But a Small Moment

During difficult times it is easy to feel forgotten. Joseph Smith felt exactly that when he was imprisoned in the Liberty Jail. Through his deep and sincere prayer, he was comforted and reminded that he was not nor ever would be abandoned. In D&C 121: 7&8 the Lord comforts Joseph, and it is meant for us also, when he said:

My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment;
And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes.

Remember that our loving Heavenly Father is aware of all we are going through.  He is aware of the uncertainty we are currently facing. And, if we allow him, he can use this time to sanctify us. We can become better people for enduring the trials we are going through.

Each of us is affected a little different that the other right now.  Some have lost jobs others have medical issues and have to wait a little longer to have surgeries. Some face intensified anxiety and/or depression and others have been denied the celebration of a milestone in their lives. Whatever you struggle please know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love you and will comfort you in your struggle. They want us to call upon them; to draw closer to them. It is through our Savior we can find peace, joy, and comfort in the most difficult of circumstances. He knows how it feels. He has been in our place for he has descended below us all that we might be lifted up.

The Lord told Joseph the key to enduring though a hardship. We can find it in D&C 123:17:

Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed.

Go forward with faith.  Find the joy and blessing in this hardship and call upon God at all times.  I know as you do this you will be given the strength and power to endure this time well and be sanctified in our Savior Jesus Christ.