Draw Nearer - The yucky parts of me

Dear Little Bear Cubs,
Sometimes life goes smoothly. Too smoothly. There are times that I get so wrapped up in the smoothness of it all - that I am oblivious to those around me who are enduring the rough seas of life...shackled by loneliness or weighed down under the heavy cross of tribulation. I went to the temple this weekend and was able to do a little soul searching. I had been feeling unsettled...a feeling I have gotten a few times in my life...the kind of feeling that springs from the depths of my heart....a feeling... a whisper that I am not being all I was intended to be.

In those time I have prayed to Heavenly Father and communicated my feelings of inadequacy ... pleading that His spirit would speak to my heart and mind - helping me to see the areas of my life need to be improved upon. Every time I have done this, I have been amazed at how quickly and clearly He responds.

Because I asked...He answered.

He told me that I don't show my gratitude enough. I have been blessed beyond anything I could ever deserve...yet I limit my "thanks" to a few comments in my prayers...before I start with the "asking". I lack in showing gratitude for my parents - and for all they have sacrificed for me, provided for me, and taught me. I don't thank Daddy enough for how hard he works to provide for us. I don't thank my friends enough for the ways they bless my life. In realizing how "thankless" I have been.... i realize even more how much I DO have to be thankful for. In recognizing my abundance....my regret sinks even deeper.

He told me I need to put more silver dollars in shoes...



There were several other similar things that were whispered to my heart....

Elder Henry B. Eyring has described this feeling as an "upward pull from God".

He said, "Heavenly Father does more than allow you to feel that upward pull. He has provided a way to rise higher, almost beyond our limits of imagination, not by our own powers alone, which would not be nearly enough, but through the power of the atonement of his Son, Jesus Christ."

The atonement is a beautiful thing, little bears. It was perfect and complete. I can be better and more because of His sacrifice. I can be forgiven for my lack of full gratitude. I can have my heart softened and my eyes opened as I come to Him and ask to have eyes to see those around me that are in need...opportunities to put silver dollars in someones boots.

I am so grateful for the Savior's patience and love....that He leads me and guides me as I excavate those yucky parts of myself. This Easter day - my heart overflows with the love I have for Him.

He bled for us...that we could be cleansed.
He died for us....that we might spiritually live.
He conquered the grave...that we could live again.

Thanks for loving me, little bear cubs.....yucky parts and all.

The Mama Bear