The night came. I was nervous, but felt I'd done much to prepare. It was going okay... The audience was a little hard to read, but no one was throwing rotten fruit or getting up to leave---good sign! I didn't know if I was making sense to anyone, but I figured I didn't have much choice but to finish what I'd prepared, so on I went. Then, I came to the end...to the word "testimony" and the part I hadn't practiced. I looked at this beautiful painting, by Morgan Weistling, I had borrowed from my sister and set up at the front of the room.
And, it came: I recalled my own "Christmas baby," born 3 years ago at this special time of year. I talked about the kinship I'd felt to Mary at that time; the wonder of that special feeling only a newborn can bring into your home, coupled with the spirit of HIS season. And I realized, in the very moment I was sharing it in front of this group of women, that not only was Mary celebrating the beginning of her own family and her new experience as a mother, but she was rejoicing in the fulfillment of the promise of the Messiah. This baby was her King.
I'm thankful that there is One who always keeps His promises.
"For it shall be given you in the very hour, yea, in the very moment, what ye shall say."
---D&C 100:6
---D&C 100:6
7 comments:
Ad, don't you just love how the Spirit works? I taught Relief Society today. As I prepared, I just couldn't get the thoughts to come as I tried to outline my lesson. I figured that the Lord wanted me to simply follow the Spirit as I "taught" and it turned out great! Sometimes you just need to let go! It was a great lesson!
What a neat topic to ponder and study. I'm not familiar with this artist. What a beautiful picture. I love it when the perfect thing to say comes to our remembrance. My Christmas baby (though delivered in January) was my firstborn son. I can't believe that he is nearing 9 years old. Now I have the privilege of a 2nd experience. There's something magical and spiritual about being great with child in December.
You shared a sweet testimony right in this post. I'm glad I read it.
This talk was amazing and I'm so pleased with Adri's preparation and insight. Since we believe that Christ was really born in the spring, Dal's birth 4.5 yrs ago could have just as easily represented and reminded you of the miracle of Christmas! I do remember what little Kate's birth did for my Christmas three years ago...pure magic!
Your writings about your thoughts are so beautiful, I can only imagine how wonderful your talk was Adri. Thanksk for sharing your testimony. I feel this is a great place to share it.
I believe in miracles small and large. I am trying to work on exercising my faith better so that I might have a miracle occur in my own life.
Oh Adri, I LOVE you comments on Mary and the Savior and wish I could have attended your Enrichment Night. You have such a wonderful speaking ability, as well as writing talents. I love you and am amazed at the many, many ways you constantly bless the lives of those around you....including me! I AM THANKFUL FOR YOU.
Thank you for sharing that. I wish I could have heard your whole lesson! I too, love that painting. It is so tender and brings back all those feelings of holding a newborn. Priceless.
My mom gave me this painting for Christmas 5 years ago, you have given it new meaning for me. I wish so much I could have heard your talk, I am sure it was awesome. You bring depth to any topic, I can only imagine listening to one you worked on for 2 months.
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