Into My Heart

I thoroughly enjoyed the conference session. Interestingly my strongest impression did not come from any particular talk, but from an observation made near the end of the afternoon session. My thoughts require a bit of background on my day.

At about 8 am my morning began with the visit of Jacob (my brother) and Spencer (his roommate). They had come to mow the lawn for us (I'm pregnant and Ross is severely allergic) but the lawn mower is broken. So I recruited them to help me clean out the flower beds in the front yard so I can plant some bulbs for next spring. (Thank you, guys!!) We worked until conference was beginning and then we adjourned to the warmth of the kitchen and ate pancakes while watching the session. In the mean time, Ross went to campus to meet with a small study group and diligently work on homework that is due on Monday.

After the morning session of conference the boys left and I was left all alone. I decided to follow Ross's example and try to get some school work done. After about an hour of intense focus and study, I realized how quiet the house was. I was very lonely and dreary (especially after my busy people filled morning). I looked forward to the beginning of the next conference session to distract me from the emptiness of the house. I was not disappointed, with the teachings of the prophets the spirit filled the home and my loneliness fled as my dreariness was turned to the love of God. As the session drew to a close I dreaded the rest of the evening as I realized that Ross would come home, quickly eat dinner, and rush to the Priesthood Session, leaving me alone again. As I dwelt on this for a moment, an observation entered my mind. I realized that the entire home felt warm and welcoming and, well, homey. I observed that I did not feel alone and that the house did not feel empty. As I pondered this change, I realized that it was due to the Spirit of the Lord filling our home. Not that the spirit was absent before, but that its presence had not been openly invited and acknowledged.

A new commitment came over me to make my home feel this way always. Not only for myself in future months as I am inevitably home alone as Ross provides for our current and future needs, but I also want this spirit to comfort my husband and children and all others who enter this home. I want my home to feel warm, inviting, welcoming, and homey. Never lonely or dreary. I know it will not always be easy and that some days will be better than others, but I think it is certainly a good goal to work toward.

I realize that none of this is new and I have heard it all before, but today it was carried by the Holy Ghost into my heart.