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Early in December, I read an article in the Ensign entitled The Joy of Sabbath Day Observance, in which Elder Marcos A. Aidukaitis talks of his family's choice to attend church, even when vacationing with family members that were not members of the Church. In the past, we have not attended church services on the rare occasions that we find ourselves traveling on a Sunday. But when I read this article, I felt it was directed toward us. I showed it to my husband, and we agreed to attend church when we were visiting relatives on Christmas weekend.
I admit I wavered a couple of times. First, I couldn't find the ward information, because the web site kept giving me an error. Then I forgot about the time zone change, which would make our wake up time 6:00 am, after an unusually late night. Fortunately, though, I remained committed with the support of my dear husband, and we made it to Sacrament meeting on time.
As we walked in, we were greeted warmly by the Bishop and a greeter at the door. But as we sat down among the hustle and bustle, I was surprised that no one spoke to us. It didn't bother me, as I would much rather sit back and observe. But it did give me pause to evaluate my own efforts to welcome visitors and newcomers. And well, I confess that I have been a slacker, not doing nearly as much as I could and should be doing.
Just as I was contemplating that thought, 6-year-old Grasshopper turned to me to ask if, after the meeting, she could go and meet a little girl sitting near us. At that, I felt an extra twinge of guilt and even a little bit of jealousy. I mean, it would be so easy if I could just have whatever she has…if I could just enjoy the process of meeting new people and making new friends like she does. She makes it look so seamlessly easy.
At that moment, the Spirit whispered to me that when I welcome or befriend someone, it is “counted unto [me] for righteousness” (Romans 4:3) more greatly than unto someone for whom it comes easily, and that I should not compare myself to anyone. I felt that in spite of my deficiencies, God still loved me. I basked in that Spirit for the duration of the beautiful program that the ward presented, leaving feeling completely invigorated and refreshed.
[H]e doth require that ye should do as he hath commanded you; for which if ye do, he doth immediately bless you…
I know that we are blessed when we faithfully follow the prophets…often in ways that we might not imagine.
Alison Moore Smith is a 61-year-old entrepreneur who graduated from BYU in 1987. She has been (very happily) married to Samuel M. Smith for 40 years. They are parents of six incredible children and grandparents to two astounding grandsons. She is the author of The 7 Success Habits of Homeschoolers.
Thanks for sharing this, Tracy P. This is lovely. I **LOVE** that you took your experience as a visitor for what it means to you, and how you can improve yourself, rather than solely as a criticism of the ward you are visiting. I find that it is very easy for me to extend myself and reach out to newcomers when I am in a calling where I need to know who people are. I am focuses elsewhere when I am teaching primary or young women. Introducing myself and cozying up to strangers has never been a natural thing for me, it is something I have had to learn and re-learn again and again. My challenge, once I am back teaching primary or serving in calling that does not make me feel so obligated to meet new people, will be to do it anyway!
Jennycherie, I have to admit that there was a certain amount of temptation to criticize. I am glad that I resisted, because I subsequently discovered that the ward was sharing Christmas with a small, nearby branch. So there were a lot of people there that they did not know.
My sin or weakness is hospitality. I struggle with anyone disturbing me in my home.
Kris,
You are not alone! I have had a horrible time with hospitality. When I first joined the church over 20 years ago, I regret to say that I likely did not hide my annoyance well at being disturbed in my home. Fortunately, my husband is very good at it, so I usually make him handle these issues, if possible. But now that I realize that it somehow counts more when I do it than when he does it, perhaps I have to rethink that strategy.