Tender Mercies

I've been thinking about tender mercies lately. While always a subject that interested me, this latest train of thought all began with a challenge from my institute teacher to look for the tender mercies in my life. Each week as I've attended class I've pondered what the Lord has done for me.

Praise and gratitude are expressed for the tender mercies of the Lord in several passages of scripture, but in my speed-reading of those verses only one seemed to explain why the Lord gives us His mercies.  I do not want to discount the blessing of recognizing and feeling gratitude for those tender moments when we know God granted us our own private miracle,  but I feel a significant aspect of tender mercies is often left unconsidered.  In 1 Nephi 1:20, the second half of the verse reads,  "But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance."

This verse tells you why we receive these precious mercies - "to make them (us -you and me) mighty even unto ... deliverance".

Does this strike you with the same force as it does me?  I hope so, because I testify that through the tender mercies of the Lord, we are given the power to make us mighty even unto deliverance.  Each time we recognize, show gratitude for or remember a tender mercy we've been given,  we are strengthened and replenished.  These moments are God-given, Spirit-boosting and Testimony-affirming bursts of truth,  comfort,  assurance and peace. 

Let me share a recent tender mercy I experienced. I was flying out on a business trip early Monday morning. The weekend had been busy and productive, but at 9 pm on Sunday,  I still had much to accomplish before I left town.  A favorite t.v. show of mine airs at 9 pm and so with my to-do-list looming before me,  I decided to watch my show and work on the to-do 's during the commercial breaks. I knew this was not a wise choice,  it would double the amount of time my tasks would take and I needed my rest before my trip.  When I turned on the t.v., my show wasn't on at all because earlier that evening a football game ran late. In that moment,  I felt that God had arranged it that way for me so that I could accomplish what needed to be done and not create further stress. So I apologize to all C.S.I. fans, I'm part of the reason you didn't get to see last Sunday's episode.  I am grateful for a Heavenly Father who loves me and helps me to make better choices.

Love,
Mailee

Missionary Work

I belong to a church that believes in missionary work. Thousands of young men and women (as well as retired seniors) serve 18 to 24 months as full-time missionaries. I love the stories of these missionaries leading people to Jesus Christ and helping them find peace and comfort and joy through the gospel. Additionally, our leaders urge each member to be a member missionary by sharing with those around them.

And when I hear those talks, I shrink a little. . . because missionary work is not part of my natural skill set. 

At one time of my life, it was easy to ignore such talks, because my situation was such that I had very few non-member acquaintances.  I would serve in my ward and feel that what I was accomplishing what I could.

Now my situation is not the same, I am one of only a few members of the Church at my job. I am in a different place with a more diverse population.  All around me are people who were once members and have fallen away.  Lately, I have felt a greater desire to be a better missionary. I have been seeking ways that I can reach out to some of those people.

And last night, as I was reading a short little book that I recently purchased at Deseret Book, a name came to mind and the feeling that I needed to give this book to her.

This person is older than me and has had life experiences that extend beyond my own.  The natural man part of me tells me that  I am being presumptive and arrogant to suggest that I should even do anything, since I really don't know her that well and what if I offend her. Yet, simultaneously, there is another voice, a better voice, that says, "What do you have to lose and what does she have to gain?"

So today, I worked up the courage to give her the book.  I still felt a little silly doing it, and I literally had to blink back tears after finishing my conversation with her (unfortunately not  tears because it was spiritually moving, these were tears that came from effort and relief at completing the task), but I did it. I did feel the Spirit was with me -- I was not alone in my action.  Maybe something will come of it, and maybe not. At the very least, she knows that someone cares for her and was thinking of her.

Interestingly enough, this experience lead to a second one, where I was able to bear testimony to another friend.  Both of these acts were small and simple, but from them I have gained a reassurance that there are ways to be a missionary to those around us.  Also, I have hopefully shown the Lord that I will act when called upon.

I know Heavenly Father can take our small efforts and magnify them into something greater.  I know that He watches over us and guides us, if we let Him.

I don't know why I felt I should share this on my blog, but I did, so here it is.  So hopefully there was something in this experience of mine that was meant for you.

Love,
Mailee

P.S.  Philippians 4:13