The Stevenson Ohana: Truly satisfying!

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Truly satisfying!

Often in the late nights-- between falling asleep and still thinking-- is when my best ideas and revelations come. It's when I'm not distracted by other things around me and my feet are motionless and life is still. That's when I feel inspiration's quiet voice more clearly.

My calling in church is a relief society teacher-- that is what kept me up at night most recently. The topic of my lesson: "missionary work." During the week, I thought about my grandpa joining the church around my age now and his influence on me and the generations to come. Then I drifted in thoughts reflecting on my own mission and how much I loved serving full-time. The memories in dedicated service and the people I met still so close to my heart and worth more than anything. The time serving in Brooklyn and Idaho will always be on the highlight reel of my life.

I thought about how satisfying and sweet the restored gospel is and thought of Lehi's dream and my mind pondered one scripture specifically: 1 Nephi 8: 11-12

And it came to pass that I did go forth and partake of the fruit thereof; and I beheld that it was most sweet, above all that I ever before tasted. Yea, and I beheld that the fruit thereof was white, to exceed all the whiteness that I had ever seen.

And as I partook of the fruit thereof it filled my soul with exceedingly great joy; wherefore, I began to be desirous that my family should partake of it also; for I knew that it was desirable above all other fruit.

The fruit of the gospel does taste so soooo good and Lehi wanted to share it and desired everyone to partake of the scrumptious fruit that symbolizes the blessings of the Atonement. Partaking of the fruit of the tree represents receiving the ordinances and covenants of the gospel of Jesus Christ—therefore having the atonement more obtainable in our lives and accessible. The fruit is described as “desirable to make one happy” and produces great joy and the desire to share that joy with others.

I then pondered about myself—I thought about my own personal inability to taste and smell now and how food has completely lost its flavor due to my head injury. I reminisced the smells of clean laundry, the exhaust from the snowmobiles, and the smell of the outdoors and taste of home cooked meals. I thought about how much I miss those and really miss the taste of a single peanut butter cup.

I wish sometimes I could once again bite into one and really taste the chocolate and soft peanut butter combo and then just be so sooo satisfied. I thought about the nerve in my head that no longer functions and thought about missionary work too--Maybe because it was late and I wasn't sleeping but it all made so much sense to me without my senses-- something clicked and was made real.

Many people in this world don't know how good the gospel taste and how much comfort comes with the fruits of the spirit and the peace of eternal truths and access to the atonement. They simply lack that sense and connection without the ordinances and knowledge of restored gospel.

I thought about how insignificant but strong “my craving” for little taste of candy can be... how I miss it… how I long for these senses to return. . . How I have tasted and smelled once but no longer have that capacity or know how to get it back.

I thought about how I do have something that taste far better and how others in this world are unaware, but many are craving it more than anything this world has to offer. The knowledge and connection to access the atonement of Christ and feel that divinity is more sweet and powerful and is truly satisfying.

The gospel is far better and sweeter than anything I know. It provides the nourishment needed for the sickest souls--it provides comfort for the sad, and strength for the weak, it brings joy and satisfaction to those that are alone and those just starving for truth and purpose. It is for everyone and is the one fruit that can make one whole and brings real joy and happiness to all that partake sincerely. How sweet and wonderful the gospel taste and how we must not forget, but share it with the world.

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