Show up and be counted

One of my favorite parts of the Book of Mormon is when Jesus comes to the America's after his resurrection and he calls the children to Him.  While with Him, he blesses each child and prays to Heavenly Father in their behalf.  As a mother I would always imagine what it would be like to have my children present in that moment.  I wonder what he would say to each one of my four babies. I wonder how they would feel experiencing this incredible opportunity.  However, this time reading this account I had a different thought. It is this: If you want to have incredible spiritual experiences you have to show up.  If I want my teenager to have spiritual testimony building experiences, then I have to make sure he is in the places where these things are most likely to happen.  Can they happen wherever your child is? Yes, but it is much more likely to happen in a planned activity.  So, if I want them to have these experiences, then I better get them to youth conference.  It is much more likely that they will have a life changing experience at youth conference than sitting at home in front of the x box.

When I hear people tell me they hate Stake conference, I think they have no idea what they are talking about.  I have had life changing experiences at stake conference.  I don't miss them!  I know that if I want my testimony strengthened than I need to be in the places where this could happen.  I need to be at Stake temple night, church on Sunday, Firesides and special broadcasts.  These are the places that change lives.  This is where I need to be.  The Lord can prepare the message but he won't take my agency away.  He won't force me to come.  He can try and lead me there but he won't force me.  I have to be where I am supposed to be to have these experiences.

Last week in seminary I taught David and Bathsheba.  I had never noticed before when reading this story that David's first problem was he was supposed to be in battle with his men and he chose not to go.  If he would have been where he was supposed to be he would not have looked at Bathsheba which was his first step towards his demise.  So, there are many reasons to be where you are supposed to be.  There is safety in being there.  Not only could you be missing out on a spiritual experiences, you could be putting yourself in a position to cause yourself harm.

I think of the mom who is praying for her struggling teenager, but then doesn't persuade them to go to church or seminary where they could possible have an experience that aids them in their struggles. We have to show up and be present for the events that could change us.   We have to show up be counted as one of the Saviors children.  If we want Him to encircle us and bless us and pray for us, we have to be where He is.