Reflecting on last Sunday


I'm still thinking about last Sunday....
A talk was given in our Sacrament meeting that is still on my mind.
(this is the first meeting where we all meet together with our families) 

John, the speaker, quoted Elder Joseph Wirthlin when he said:
 "I have learned that the 3 most loving words are “I love you,” 
and the 4 most caring words for those we love are “We can’t afford it.”

Then John went on to explain that growing up he thought his family was very 
poor. His Mom mixed powdered milk with regular milk to make it last longer. She 
also had many tricks she used to make old things seem like new ones. She made 
so many tuna casseroles while he was growing up that he says he gets nauseous 
now just thinking about it. 

As John grew older he realized they were not poor since his dad was a judge and 
his Mom a full time school teacher. But his family was able to save so much 
money through sacrificing that his parents were able to help many people. He 
remembers how his parents were able to pay for siding for a widow's home, and 
another time how they were able help a needy family buy a new roof. 

Looking back John, the speaker, says it was a great way to grow up because he 
and his siblings learned to work hard, and not take things for granted.

His childhood reminded me somewhat of my childhood. I believe my adult life has 
been much easier because I was not just handed things that I wanted. If it wasn't 
my birthday or Christmas, I had to find a way to earn money to buy it.

Back to the speaker on Sunday....He told the story of a friend who really wanted a 
particular game so he took out a credit card so he could purchase it. Then from 
that day this friend over time ended up getting more and more credit cards. Then 
one day he was shopping with his friend at Target. John watched as he made a 
$20. payment on his Target charge. But at this same shopping trip the friend 
bought $40.worth of stuff plus took out another $20. in cash. What sense did that 
make?

John went on to explain that by living providently, we can help others since 
we will have the means to do so. 

We sang one of my favorite hymns for the closing song, 

Dear to the Heart of the Shepherd

I especially love the 4th verse and the chorus:

"Make us thy true under-shepherds;
Give us a love that is deep.
Send us out into the desert,
Seeking thy wandering sheep.”


“Out in the desert they wander,
Hungry and helpless and cold;
Off to the rescue we'll hasten,
Bringing them back to the fold.” 

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Couldn't hear the hymn, but I love the words.
Yes, growing up "poor" had it's advantages.( I, also, had to earn money for what I wanted. Made me the frugal person I am today.) But, it's all relative. By some peoples' standards I was rich, because I had everything I NEEDED. I am grateful for that. Some people are not so lucky.
darlene

Scrapally said...

I need to do better. Great words of wisdom. Thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

I love this post!! If only the whole world could read it and follow its teachings. (any way you can copy it and e-mail it to me? I'd like to share it with others)
pjc

Susan Anderson said...

That is a great way to start a talk on provident living…with the three and four words quote. Perfect.

=)

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