Draw Nearer

Little Bear Cubs,
Come. Hop in the car. Let's have a chat.
I went to Relief Society today and enjoyed a lesson which was on Following Christ. I had "heard" everything that was taught - but it wasn't until this evening that the true meaning sunk in and really impacted me. My mind was racing during class...I wasn't very focused....but evidently, my spirit still absorbed all that was taught and the truths were brought back to my remembrance when I took some time and was "still" tonight.

John 1:38 was discussed in class. It was when Andrew and another disciple first heard Christ speak.....they were so moved that they followed Him and left the crowd. Christ turned and asked the two men, "What seek ye?". They asked him where he lived and Christ simply replied, "Come and see".

So much of our life's journey boil down to these two elements in the opening scenes of the Savior's earthly ministry.

1. The question asked to each of us on this earth: "What seek ye? (What do you want?)
2. His response to our answer: "Come and see....or Come, follow me."

Jeffrey R. Holland paraphrased what the Savior was saying...."Wherever you are going, first come and see what I do, see where and how I spend my time. Learn of me, walk with me, talk with me, believe. Listen to me pray. In turn you will find answers to your own prayers. God will bring rest to your souls. Come, follow me."

No matter what our challenge, need, or goal is....the answer is the same....have faith in Christ and follow Him. It is through Him that our burdens will be lifted, our needs will be met, and our goals will be achieved.

Elder Holland reiterated the words of Psalms 23 in one of the most beautiful ways I have ever heard...and I want it to be yours, little bear cubs.

"Those who will receive the Lord Jesus Christ as the source of their salvation will always lie down in green pastures, no matter how barren and bleak the winter has been. And the waters of their refreshment will always be still waters, no matter how turbulent the storms of life. In walking His path of righteousness, our souls will be forever restored; and though that path may for us, as it did for Him, lead through the very valley of the shadow of death, yet we will fear no evil. The rod of His priesthood and the staff of His Spirit will always comfort us. And when we hunger and thirst in the effort, He will prepare a veritable feast before us, a table spread even in the presence of our enemies - contemporary enemies - which might include fear or family worries, sickness or personal sorrow of a hundred different kinds. In a crowning act of compassion at such a supper, He anoints our head with oil and administers a blessing of strength to our soul. Our cup runneth over with His kindness, and our tears runneth over with joy. We weep to know that such goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our life, and that we will, if we desire it, dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

Our place at the Lords table is never forfeited, little bear cubs. His sacrifice was complete and there is nothing too big or too small for Him to take away. He remains with arms outstretched - beckoning us to "come unto Him and find rest".

I hope to trust more and fear less....to turn to Him in all my need instead of trusting in the arm of my own feeble flesh. I hope I can teach you these things by the way I handle the challenging times in my life....that you will embrace these truths and in so doing, embrace Him.

I love you little bear cubs.....I do, I do.

The Mama Bear