Sabbath Reflections - ...Content with our Allotment

Having been comforted years ago by a friend when dealing with a terminal cancer, I sought to return my friends charity when he was later diagnosed with a similar disease (for which he subsequently succumbed). When sharing a brief note with him, he tenderly responded, quoting from the scriptures, "... I [am] content with the things which the Lord hath allotted unto me." In pondering his response and reflecting on such today, I am reminded of the tenderness and loving empathy of the Master, and what is expected.

Neal Maxwell wrote: Life’s necessary defining moments come within our allotments. … Our responses are what matter. Sufficient unto each life are the tests thereof! (see Matt. 6:34)

We are to do what we can within our allotted “acreage,” while still using whatever stretch there may be in any tethers. Within what is allotted to us, we can have spiritual contentment. Paul described it as “godliness with contentment,” signifying the adequate presence of attributes such as love, hope, meekness, patience, and submissiveness (1 Tim. 6:6).

Yet there are other fixed limitations in life. For instance, some have allotments including physical, mental, or geographic constraints. There are those who are unmarried, through no fault of their own, or yearning but childless couples. Still others face persistent and unreconciled relationships within their circles of loved ones, including offspring who have “[become] for themselves,” resistant to parental counsel. In such and similar situations, there are so many prickly and daily reminders.

Being content means acceptance without self-pity. Meekly borne, however, deprivations such as these can end up being like excavations that make room for greatly enlarged souls.”

And so it is that we ought to be content in our striving and within what is allotted! Although we may not know our personal or familial allotments (acreage), our loving Heavenly Father does, as does His Son. Whatever our course in life, we will not be challenged beyond our allotment or capacity. Even so, it is incumbent upon us to strive to meet the full measure of our creation within the bounds He has set for each of us individually; born of His love and accepting in meekness and love the divine tutoring that may well come. It doesn’t demand that we seek for more, nor less, but find contentment in striving within our given allotment to meet our full measure, even becoming one with the Master. His compensatory love and sacrifice are beyond sufficient when our hearts are yielded to Him accordingly.

We often find that we become frustrated and grow weary when faced with the challenge, at times, in reaching "beyond the mark;" in our expectations and in our hopes, thinking that it is incumbent upon us to exceed that which is given. We find ourselves over extended and running faster than we have strength. We think we are achieving or striving to achieve our personal expectation, when in reality we are reaching beyond that of He who has sent us. Our contentment comes when we are mutually aligned or one with Him, and grateful for the allotment given by and through His tender mercy.

"O that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every people! Yea, I would declare unto every soul, as with the voice of thunder, repentance and the plan of redemption, that they should repent and come unto our God, that there might not be more sorrow upon all the face of the earth. But behold, I am a man, and do sin in my wish; for I ought to be content with the things which the Lord hath allotted unto me." (Alma 29:1-3)

It is difficult at times, but the requirement lovingly sought, is for our willingness to yield a broken heart and contrite spirit to He who gave all, even the last full measure, to His friends – you and me. May we find peace in so doing, that we might endure well and have joy therein!

Sabbath Reflections - Gratitude

Robert W. Woodruff, a prominent business leader of a former time, toured the United States giving a lecture which he entitled “A Capsule Course in Human Relations.” In his message, he said that the two most important words in the English language are these: “Thank you.”1 In today's society, the words "thank you" or other expressions of gratitude are often passed by, not for wont of expression, but perhaps in feeling it unnecessary or a given. Even so, gratitude, when offered in sincerity renders to the heart of both the giver and the receiver a tenderness unmeasured. Expressions of gratitude reflect a sense of meekness and meekness is fundamental to our development of Christ-like attributes, even our discipleship. Gratitude expressed in sincerity, is a heartfelt reflection of appreciation for kindness and service rendered. It is an acknowledgement of praise, respect, honor and reverence. It further acknowledges our love for the giver of gifts and/or service. The absence of gratitude expressed is illustrative of disdain, enmity and pride.

Surely, as we look with perspective in our lives, there is nothing of which we have, materially or otherwise, that hasn't been given willingly to us. The air we breathe, the beauties of the earth, the physical capacities that we enjoy, the relationships that render joy to our hearts, the very essence of life and the tender mercies therein are precious gifts of a loving Heavenly Father and His Atoning Son. We are nothing, but for Their tender mercies and gracious love. As recorded in scripture, "O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever" (Ps 30:12); "And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments." (D&C 59:21)

Heavenly Father and Christ, in Their infinite love and mercy, offer to us daily all that is needful for our eternal joy. When we "come unto" our Heavenly Father and Christ through our meek and humble supplications in prayer and fasting, we are expressing our gratitude to Them for all things and we are further enabled by Them in all things, even in our ability to "endure well" all things.

The infinite love of our Father and the Savior, at times are incomprehensible. However, the scriptures offer poignant glimpses to the love which they have and share with us. We can better understand this love and why Christ wept as He did, when we read the account of His visit to the Americas long ago -

"And they arose from the earth, and he [being Christ] said unto them: Blessed are ye because of your faith. And now my joy is full. And when he had said these words, he wept, and the multitude bare record of it, and he took their little children, one by one, and blessed them, and prayed unto the Father for them. And when he had done this he wept again." (3 NE 17:20-24)

His joy was full because of the devotions and love of His children, and He wept. Should we not also strive for His joyful weeping as a manifestation of our devotions. How grateful we should be for the scriptures and the perspective and understanding they bring. Further, there is great comfort in David, the Psalmist.

"Be still and know that I am God" (PSALM 46:10)

He is there and He knows and feels our pain, our challenges, our grief and our suffering. He can and does bring peace, joy and comfort in times of need. He that took all things upon Him, can and does give comfort and strength, even that which is necessary to enable us not only to endure, but endure well continually, if we will but let Him - if we will but let Him. We are promised in the scriptures, that He stands ready, we must then follow the counsel given, to learn of him, to come unto to him, to trust him and to love him. He cares and loves each of us.

When faced with challenges whether significant or routine, we can learn from the prophets of old and the prophets of latter days, thereby strengthening our faith. The Psalm of Nephi in 2nd Nephi chapter 4 states:

"Nevertheless, notwithstanding the great goodness of the Lord, in showing me his great and marvelous works, my heart exclaimeth: O wretched man that I am! Yea, my heart sorroweth because of my flesh; my soul grieveth because of mine iniquities. I am encompassed about, because of the temptations and the sins which so easily beset me.
And when I desire to rejoice, my heart groaneth because of my sins; nevertheless, I know in whom I have trusted. My God hath been my support; he hath led me through mine afflictions....He hath filled me with his love...Behold He hasth heard my cry by day..." (2 NE 4:17-30)

How then and what then is expected of us? What are we to do? We must pause regularly from our activities in the world, and re-evaluate our progress on the pathway of faith towards discipleship. We must chose a righteous path in his life, departing from the ways of the world, and serve our Heavenly Father and Christ. Our lives must be lives of meekness and submissiveness to our Heavenly Father and Christ. We must acknowledge and evidence our commitment to serve God the Father and His Son through our service to others. We must evidence our faith and trust in our Heavenly Father and His Son, manifest in our desire to serve Them. We must not experience the world but experience life in its most joyous and blessed way, by rendering service to the sons and daughters of Heavenly Father, that we might fully experience our faith in, and love of, Christ. And above all, we must, born in sincerety, give thanks thereto; not only to He who tenderly and lovingly gives all, but to all that we meet.

The beauty and eloquence of an expression of gratitude is further reflected in a newspaper story of some years ago:
The District of Columbia police auctioned off about 100 unclaimed bicycles Friday. “One dollar,” said an 11-year-old boy as the bidding opened on the first bike. The bidding, however, went much higher. “One dollar,” the boy repeated hopefully each time another bike came up. The auctioneer, who had been auctioning stolen or lost bikes for 43 years, noticed that the boy’s hopes seemed to soar higher whenever a racer-type bicycle was put up. Then there was just one racer left. The bidding went to eight dollars. “Sold to that boy over there for nine dollars!” said the auctioneer. He took eight dollars from his own pocket and asked the boy for his dollar. The youngster turned it over in pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters—took his bike, and started to leave. But he went only a few feet. Carefully parking his new possession, he went back, gratefully threw his arms around the auctioneer’s neck, and cried. When was the last time we felt gratitude as deeply as did this boy? The deeds others perform in our behalf might not be as poignant, but certainly there are kind acts that warrant our expressions of gratitude.1

May our hearts be filled with gratitude and the constancy of our kind and tender expressions of thankfulness. I appreciate Leslie's Grateful Sunday posts.

1 TS Monson

Calm amid Stormy Markets

Some of the comments proffered this week amid the market upheaval have been interesting. Some have even said, "this is it, the beginning of the end of all things." Surely we are in tumultuous times and there is a commotion about the capital markets, but it is not the beginning of the end of all things. There can be calm amid the stormy markets, if we have perspective and are sufficiently prepared.

The global capital markets have provided an interesting and even scary ride this past week. Market upheavals are never fun, nor are they sought for events. Even so, given the nature of man, market upheavals are necessary events in our domestic and global societies. Market corrections are necessary because we tend to push the envelope and reach beyond reasoned bounds. To many this week has been revelatory and has exposed the excesses in our capital market society. Some have said that this past week was like unto the depression of 1929, really? Yes, we have been here before, and we will be here again - such is the nature of markets. You only get hurt on a roller coaster if you jump off. As scary as the ride may be, we usually arrive safely where we began. The rule in market corrections is not to jump off and endure the ride.

In spite of these corrections, our markets and economies are fundamentally strong. Foundationally, they are built on correct free market and economic principles, proven and tested over time. Notwithstanding, the US Treasury can meet its measure by needed intercession to restore market confidence if the corrections are perceived as potentially irreparable. In its bailout of AIG, the Treasury acted appropriately. The shareholders and management of AIG will bear the consequence of their folly, but given the security and equity interests taken, liquidity restored and markets stabilized the Treasury (US taxpayers) will benefit handsomely when AIG is repatriated in the free market.

I can recall in the mid 70's when mortgage rates were at 15%, overnight bank rates exceeded 20%, the 20 year Treasury Note hit 9%, the DJIA was around 600 (it is now 11,400), the government stepped in an bailed out Chrysler with $1.2 billion in loan guaranties, and many thought we were doomed. Many thought the Chrysler bailout was a failed policy in spite of the nearly $500 million in profit to the Treasury in later years. The policy wasn't a failed policy as it restored confidence in the markets. The failed policy was the auto industry's unwillingness to change its much needed business strategy, thinking it could continue business as usual. Again in the 1980's we faced the S&L crisis which cost the nation dearly. The government bail out the S&L industry, again, was critical in restoring market confidence. Even so, what did we learn? Very little. The unfortunate consequence of past corrections is always reflected in future events. Corrections reset the bar but have done little to change the underpinning nature of the players. Hopefully, this correction will cause us to learn from our errant behaviors, although unlikely.

Surely, we will see future corrections, and most likely more often. Therefore, it is incumbent upon all to be measured, reasoned and conservative in our financial houses - not reaching beyond our capacities and setting our storehouses in order to better enable our enduring of the storms ahead. We must limit our personal debts, set aside capital reserves, improve the depth of our food stores and live with prudence and within our means. We have been counseled by prophets in these latter days to be provident in our living and to build our storehouses, for tumultuous times are coming. This past week sufficiently illustrates the point.

80

Eighty years ago today, my father was born. As a young teen he was raised by his sisters, who cared for and mothered him, while his parents were elsewhere. Following an early entry into the military in his late teens, he became a self made man in all respects. It was life's tutoring moments in his early years that shaped and molded him as a man of kindness, meekness, integrity, trust, honor and capacity. He is truly loved and appreciated by all who know him. He is a true friend to many, which speaks for itself, as his friendships have been lifelong, whether from his days in the military, his corporate life, or associations along the pathway of life. As a self-made man, he overcame the difficult challenges of growing up without the mentoring of loving parents, served in the military, worked his way through college and graduate school, and rose to the top in every organization he was ever associated with. Even so, he was never willing to compromise the principles that mattered, choosing integrity over convenience and accommodation. It is through my father's tutoring example that I have learned the invaluable character traits of hard work, honesty and integrity, fidelity and devotion to what is right, kindness and compassion, patience and tenderness. Through him, I learned to love the ocean and sailing. By and through his counsel, I chose my profession. When I was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it was my father who sat with me and counseled me about obedience to gospel principles, even in the paying of tithes and offerings. There are vivid moments in my memory, sitting with my dad to discuss career and educational choices, listening to his counsel regarding my commitment to the Savior when I chose to enter the waters of baptism, being coached by him in little league and on the basketball court, caddying for him on the golf course and knowing he would always ask me which club he should use (always an 8 iron), and teaching me to sail and find joy on the calming waters of the Pacific... Never lacking his support and confidence, and feeling his encouragement in all things, I appreciate my Dad and am forever grateful that he is my father.

Dad, for one who never personally experienced the loving and mentoring care of a parent in your life, you have surely met the full measure of your creation as my father and as a father to Bob and Dan. Thanks for being there and helping me to become who I am today. Happy 80th birthday! I love you!

Sabbath Reflections - Pondering and Perspective

These are challenging and tutorial times! Amid the commotion and noise; whether in the real estate and financial markets, the devastating storms in the gulf coast, the travails in the personal lives of family and friends, the political and global uncertainties, or in the "seeming routineness" of everyday living, the tugs and pulls of the world become ever so real and at times daunting and overwhelming. Our prayerful nights and mornings have become extended as we seek efficacy in the intervening and atoning love of the Master for those whose trials and tribulations weigh heavy in their hearts. These truly are tumultuous times! Even so, it is amid the tumult and commotion, or in our defining midnight moments that we are either strengthened in our faith, resolve and steadfastness to what truly matters, or, diminished, frustrated and compromised in our capacity to endure well.

What marks the difference in our enduring well?

Although not an expert in trial and tribulation, we have had our share over the years, and I suspect there is more to come in the future. When I contracted lymphoma years ago, a question was offered by a loving friend; why you? My response was simple, why not me? What would possess me to think that I, of all people, would be exempt from the trials of the world. Surely, our Savior and Friend, perfect in every way suffered such that He bled from every pore. If He being perfect suffered more than any, and as the only one who could take upon Him what He did, why is it that any of us should be exempt, for we are far from perfect and have much to learn from our tutorial trials in life. It is His suffering for us that has enabled His perfect empathy, such that He can and does succor us in our trials, rendering the needed tender mercies and sweet comfort that eases our pains and burdens. Notwithstanding, how often are we so consumed and distracted by our trials in life that we fail to be tutored, fail to be comforted and fail to embrace His tender mercies? Our elective submission is the necessary qualifier, to let go and trust Him implicitly and explicitly. It is all that He asks, and the only thing we can give; simply allowing our heart and will to be swallowed up in His.

Our capacity to endure well, to be tutored, comforted and recipients of His tender mercy reside in our quiet ponderings, in our reflective and meditative moments, where we seek for greater understanding and heartfelt tutoring and comfort. It is in our midnight moments, with meekness and humility, that we draw strength and capacity to endure well, from He that endured all things well. Be it in our prayerful moments, or in the simple stillness of quiet solitude wherein we ponder that which truly matters, our petitions are heard and rest and comfort are obtained. It is that we should "Be Still and Know that He is [I am] God." (Psalm 46:10) A further counseled in Matthew, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find ^frest unto your souls. For my yoke is ^aeasy, and my burden is light." Can we ever doubt His love and capacity to comfort? The irony rests in our letting go and trusting, when our natural man state would tell us otherwise. It is in our Pondering that we gain Perspective, recognizing that which matters and on whom we should rely.

Additionally as written so eloquently in scripture: "If thou art called to pass through tribulation; if thou art in perils among false brethren; if thou art in perils among robbers; if thou art in perils by land or by sea; If thou art accused with all manner of false accusations; if thine enemies fall upon thee; if they tear thee from the society of thy father and mother and brethren and sisters; and if with a drawn sword thine enemies tear thee from the bosom of thy wife, and of thine offspring, and thine elder son, although but six years of age, shall cling to thy garments, and shall say, My father, my father, why can’t you stay with us? O, my father, what are the men going to do with you? and if then he shall be thrust from thee by the sword, and thou be dragged to prison, and thine enemies prowl around thee like wolves for the blood of the lamb; And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good. The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?...Thy days are known, and thy years shall not be numbered less; therefore, fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever."

Amid the tumult and commotion of all things, may we each pause to ponder and quietly reflect and meditate on that precious gift given to each of us so long ago; drawing strength, comfort and capacity, such that His tender mercies may enable us in our enduring well. It is in these tutoring moments that we draw from the well of perspective, whereby we are enabled to chart our course through the boisterous winds and troubled seas.

Sabbath Reflections - Remembering

Remembering provides a great tutorial in life. Our son, Lincoln, made mention of an interesting fact when studying chemistry, that our memories are the sum of neurological and chemical reactions in our brains. And, yet our memories are visually evident, real and impacting, and can become great tutorials in life. Whether the quiet reflections from listening to familiar music being sung or played, or reflecting upon familiar environs, words or phrases spoken, our minds hearken back to personal experiences or memories that have touched us in some way. Whenever I hear Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young sing "Teach Your Children" or "Helpless," my mind hearkens back to a road trip to Colorado taken 38 years ago. Or, when I hear the early Beatles tunes, I am carried back some 44 years ago to feelings and experiences of my early teen years. Memories that are not ever present in my mind, but triggered by some external event. It is in remembering that we can be prompted and motivated to act!

Remembering can also provide for great teaching moments. While visiting with our sons and daughters and their children, and most often when tend to the grandkids at bedtime, we are often asked to tell them a story; something from our past. Most recently, when spending some time with Mabel and Oliver at bedtime, they asked each night for a story about Pa and Grandma. It is in these moments and others that we can, through remembrance, teach our children. Replete through the scriptures, we are reminded to "remember." Helaman taught his sons Nephi and Lehi to remember, for whom they were named. He further taught:

O remember, remember, my sons, the ^awords which king Benjamin spake unto his people; yea, remember that there is no other way nor means whereby man can be saved, only through the ^batoning blood of Jesus Christ, who shall come; yea, remember that he cometh to ^credeem the ^dworld.

And remember also the words which Amulek spake unto Zeezrom, ^ain the city of Ammonihah; for he said unto him that the Lord surely should come to redeem his people, but that he should not come to redeem them in their sins, but to redeem them from their sins.

And he hath power given unto him from the Father to redeem them from their sins because of repentance; therefore he hath ^asent his angels to declare the tidings of the conditions of repentance, which bringeth unto the power of the Redeemer, unto the salvation of their souls.

And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the ^arock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your ^bfoundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty ^cstorm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.

With 240 references to 'remembering' in the Book of Mormon, we are provided a great tool, by clear illustration, for teaching our children and others. May we create memories, record them, reflect upon them and use them as they are meant, to tutor us and those that we love in what truly matters. I take great joy in the remembrances of my mom and dad, for in them are quiet retreats that bring peace, joy and happiness. It is in the quiet reflections upon the memories of our lives, and in the memories of those that love us, that we are strengthened and enabled, even with perspective, to meet the full measure of our creation. Amid the commotion of all things, it is in remembering what truly matters, that we are motivated to live as we are meant to live, and experience the joy that is intended.

Sabbath Reflections - Willing to Submit

In our society today we face a world in commotion and situational standards that tear at the very fabric of what truly matters. Words and definitions have changed; "tolerance" has become acceptance and embrace - even if contrary to core values and principles, "choice" has become the entitlement of society without accountability and responsibility, and "equality" has come to mean that we are all entitled to what everyone else has irrespective of consequence, principles or liberties compromised. We are being taught that good is bad and bad is good. Amid the commotion of it all, it is imperative that we are grounded in eternal principles, adhering in all things to the tender and "still" entreaty of the Master, willing to submit with exactness and honor to He who suffered all things for each of us, because He loves us and desires to be happy - we are after all, His friends - He has chosen us. It is imperative that we teach our children eternal truths and principles, in plainness, that they may be clad with the necessary armaments and remain pure in heart.

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

To quote the moving words of Neal A. Maxwell: "Jesus Christ is utterly incomparable in what He is, what He knows, what He has accomplished and what He has experienced. Yet, movingly, he calls us his friends. We can trust, worship, and even adore Him without reservation. As the only perfect person to sojourn on this planet, there is none like Him. In intelligence and performance, He far surpasses the individual and the composite capacities and achievements of all who have lived, live now and will yet live. He rejoices in our genuine goodness and achievement but any assessment of where we stand in relation to Him tells us that we do not stand at all. We kneel.

Indeed we cannot teach him anything. But we can listen to Him, love Him, honor him, worship him. We can obey his commandments and read his scriptures. We are never forgotten by him. We are his work and his glory and he is never distracted. We are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand."

"Dear to the heart of the shepherd, Dear are the sheep of his fold.
Some from the pasture are straying, Hungry and helpless and cold
See the Good Shepherd is seeking, Seeking the lambs that are lost
Bringing them in with rejoicing, Saved at such infinite cost."

In Matthew we are tenderly entreated to Come, to learn and to know our Savior and Redeemer, to become one with Him. If we submissively heed the counsel offered, we are promised peace, or rest unto our souls, being a spiritual rest or comfort. Notwithstanding, it requires a proactive effort on our part to, learn of Him, to know Him and to be one with Him. It is interesting to note that of all the qualities perfected in Christ, He encourages us in our own perfection by stating, in conjunction with the tender call to “come unto Him,” that He is “meek and lowly.” Of all His qualities, He highlights that of being meek and lowly with the clarion call that such is what we should become. For it is in meekness and humility that we become submissive. And it is in submissiveness that we become obedient and teachable. Therefore meekness becomes the basis of our progression on the pathway of discipleship, thereby leading to a submissive heart. And it is with a submissive heart that we become one with the Master and our Heavenly Father.

Even so, as counseled by further by Mosiah, we must “become as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father.” (Mosiah 3:19)

We must adopt the perspective of spiritual beings in a human, or “natural man,” environment, rather than human beings seeking for a spiritual environment. Accepting the atoning gift, freely and submissively given by He whose love is infinite, can only be accomplished in meekness and submissiveness.

The subtleties of this life are the destroying elements of life itself, we must put on the full armor of God and not just the breastplate. We must become fully engaged, fully yoked and obedient. If there ever was a time not to grow weary and stand firmly on the pathway, it is now. Disciples can still, and must, live in the world and not be of it. As men and women of Christ we are, as stated in Ephesians 4, to "be kind to one another, tenderhearted and forgiving," without contention. Howard W. Hunter further counseled us to “treat each other with more kindness, more courtesy, more humility and patience and forgiveness.” Our ability to do so is wholly dependent upon our discipleship in Christ, born of our proximity to the Savior.

Contention is divisive and weakens our capacity to meet the full measure of our creation. Contention is disabling in our defense against the enemies in society that would tear us and our families asunder. May we strive in all things, willing to submit and be one with He whose tender love is without measure; that we may always find love in our homes and in the simplicity of living as men and women of Christ, unfettered by the world.