Yesterday I gave a talk at Church. Like always, I cried. The topic I was given was Tender Mercies. I referenced Elder David A. Bednars talk back in 2005. It is a great talk.
Here is the talk that I gave...
1 Nephi 1:20... I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender cmercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of ddeliverance.
Everyone on this Earth has the light of Christ and receives Tender Mercies from the Lord. It is not always obvious what these tender mercies are. I look at the Lord's tender mercies as a "light in the darkness." It is anytime the Savior sends you "a most personal & timely message of comfort & reassurance" as Elder Bednar describes it.
When I moved to AZ back in February of 2009, I was scared. We (haha I) felt very deeply that this was a necessary move for our family but I wasn't sure why. We were leaving everything that we knew, family, friends, stability for the unknown. We did not know anyone except for a sibling of my brother in law, and that was more of an acquaintance. My husband had already been in Mesa for about 4 weeks before the kids and I joined him. With a decent amount of anxiety, I flew by myself with our 4 children to our new home. The day after we got here I asked my husband to show us around town. As we drove he pointed out a few of his discoveries and then I asked him to take the kids and I to the Mesa, AZ LDS Temple. The second we were on the grounds of the Temple, I was overwhelmed with the spirit. I began to cry as I felt a warm and comforting reassurance from my Heavenly Father that we where in the right place. This sweet Tender Mercy has given me the strength I have needed to help my little family and I adjust to a new life here in Mesa.
Elder Bednar goes on to testify, "I testify that the tender mercies of the Lord are real and that they do not occur randomly or merely by coincidence. Often, the Lord’s timing of His tender mercies helps us to both discern and acknowledge them."
Almost 6 months ago I was visiting my friends in Yuma over General Conference weekend. My ex and I had recently transitioned to a 50/50 split time with our kids. I went from having my kids full time to having them 50% of the time. To say I was struggling with this new change is a MAJOR understatement. I was feeling extremely sad and lonely, so spending the weekend with dear friends while being uplifted by conference was definitely what I needed. Of course, my sorrows followed me to Yuma. Sunday evening after conference, Danee had invited me to ask her husband Rob for a blessing. My spirits were so low that I was doubtful of anything helping me climb out of this hole. I reluctantly asked Rob for a blessing. I sat there through half of the blessing with nothing registering in my mind. Then Rob's words became very clear as he talked of my Father Jeff, who had passed away over 20 years prior to that evening. Rob was a close family friend growing up but I do not ever remember telling Rob that my Fathers name was Jeff. Rob had told me that my father Jeff was near and his spirit was watching over my children and I in our new home. This personal blessing was a much needed Tender Mercy. It reminded me that my Heavenly Father knows who I am. I do not believe that Rob's acknowledgement of Daddy Jeff was a coincidence... I know it was a direct message of Love and comfort from my Heavenly Father.
Because of the Atonement & the gospel of repentance, we are "given" opportunities to experience tender mercies constantly, but like every "gift" they must be received. We can receive them best when our lives are aligned with the gospel & our hearts are prepared to recognize them. Elder Bednar says, "Our desires, faithfulness, and obedience invite and help us to discern His mercies in our lives."
About a week ago, once again I was struggling with the sadness that often comes with Divorce. Wondering why... how did I end up here... this isn't fair... what next... when will I feel happy... why can't I feel any peace or comfort? Then my phone rang and it was a member of my Bishopric inviting me to speak the following week in Sacrament meeting. When he told me the topic, I thought... Good Grief, how am I going to talk about Tender Mercies? A couple days later while preparing my talk, I sat down and wrote in my journal trying to list all the things that I would have considered a Tender Mercy of the Lord. I was overwhelmed by the amount of Tender Mercies I had received that I had not recognized. My Heavenly Father had been there all along, showering me with His love.
Tender mercies aren't always grandiose & dramatic, they are often the small miracles in our lives that can easily go unnoticed. It has been these tender mercies that have replayed over & over through out my life as the Spirit has testified of simple truths to me... that God Lives, He knows me personally, and He loves me very much.
My Mom recently reminded me of one of my favorite songs, Michael McClain's Which part is Mine. As I became a mother and truly began to identify with the song more, it took on a whole new meaning for me. My favorite part of the song is the chorus where she pleads with heavenly father, “Which part is mine? And God which part is yours” and then later in the song she receives this simple answer...
"After I've done my best, I know He'll do the rest."
That simple line says it all. Because of recent life changes over the past few years, I have gained a better understanding and appreciation for the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I am truly grateful for the atonement. I have been blessed with it's healing affects. I know that if I do all that I can, it will be enough. I have a deep love and appreciation for my Heavenly Father. I know that if you take a minute to be still... you will see His tender mercies pouring from heaven and filling your life.
I have much to be grateful for.
