Promptings

March 30, 2014

Three separate instances this week have provided me with an abundance of guidance in my quest to know how to better serve. Each of these came directly from the Holy Ghost and ministering angels. No other source could ever be so direct and correct. If, as one of God’s least perfect vessels, I can receive the inspiration necessary for me to find peace and joy; then, certainly it is there for everyone.

The first came after I came to know that I was to grow my activities with individuals who have limiting physical and mental health issues. I had determined to go to the American Fork Disability School and ask that if I could be of assistance in helping develop and implement educational and therapeutic services that would benefit those in need. The second came shortly after our trip home began. We received a call asking us if we would consider serving as home bound institute teachers. Wow! Just like that, our prayers are answered for and in behalf of those for whom we have been most concerned. The third was another “accidental” note in our life experiences as we watched a British show in which an old fellow had lost his ability to read. We was moaning and groaning about it when his wife told him to start looking at what he had instead of what he didn’t; then, go out and use is talents to bless the lives of others.

This story is not for those of you who are perfect; rather, the rest of us who find ourselves totally mortal and in need of all kinds of things to accomplish the simplest of things. Two instances in my life come to mind as I think of people who have stepped up admirably even as they stood at the threshold of Heaven. My Uncle Eleseo was a marvelous man with a quick sense of humor, perfect penmanship, and a zest for life. He was almost completely blind, totally deaf, and 95 years old when each day he got up, dressed , and went into the dining room of the senior center he was attending for breakfast. He did that every day until two days before his passing. My mother did virtually the same, staying mentally vital even to the last few minutes when she motioned that she wanted to sit up, then began reaching out to hug those on the other side of the veil and actually started rapidly running on the side of the bed trying to reach them even faster.

Then I think of those going on missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the very beginnings of the Church. They went with almost no personal property, leaving their families in the care of the remainder of the membership, with no real determination as to when they would return home. On at least one occasion, individuals leaving for such missions were so ill they barely had the strength to get out to the wagons taking them to the ships in which they would travel to their mission destinations. On this occasion, the “elders” sat up in the wagon, and in loud, victorious voices, shouted, “Hurrah for Israel” and were off to preach the Gospel.

I believe that we all have resources we are not currently using. The man who was complaining he could no longer read, he was told to go out and help others; to stop worrying about his losses and apply his good fortune to blessing the lives of others. What we do for others comes directly back to us in the form of better health and feelings of accomplishment. We are not on this earth to take, but to give – to offer our services/sacrifices to the Lord and to the people around us.

Listen to the promptings. Act on them. Give of yourself. Reach out to others in need. Love God, Love your neighbors. Love yourself. God bless each of us as we make the journey of life that we can live and learn each and every day so when we finish our journey we can truly say that we have fought the good fight and are ready to enter into His kingdom.

Duane Jacobs, grandfather, father, uncle, brother, cousin, and friend