Tender Mercies

In the Book of Mormon, the ancient prophet Nephi introduces the term "tender mercies" when he speaks of the blessings the Lord kind of sprinkles around us.  Sometimes we see them right off.  Other times we have to open our eyes, become aware and recognize them for what they truly are.  They are definitely blessings, but we don't always see them immediately.  Those little coincidences that "just" happen,  or the "happenstance" that makes things work out for us, or the "serendipity" that find us better off than we were before are all examples of these tender mercies.

I love this idea of tender mercies, because at times it can feel like a hidden word puzzle--but it is like trying to find blessings the Lord has already given us.  Sometimes It is simply a mater of counting the things we notice as blessings, but other times there is no denying that we are blessed beyond what we deserve.  I think the Lord is just that generous with us. Plus, He will bless us as we do what He asks.

The reason this came up is that this past weekend we had General Conference.  I usually try to ponder some questions that I might have or issues I am struggling with or what have you and spiritual prepare myself to listen for answers to those kind of questions or conundrums.  When the kids were younger I felt like I had more questions that conference could even answer, but we all survive that period of family life and every is still speaking.  So I guess that worked out fine.  Lately my questions have been more inwardly directed.  "Am I doing all I can to show my love for God?"  "What else can I do to be a good example to those around me?" "How can I use my time better?"  "How can I be of better service to my neighbors, friends and family?"

This particular conference, with The Girl out of a full time mission, I had been mulling over how else I can represent my faith to others--on Facebook, on this blog, in my public interactions with people generally?  I discovered tender mercies for two days straight this weekend, and they primarily answered these kinds of questions.  Here is what I learned:

I need to speak out more boldly in my sharing of my faith with others.

I can put my faith out there without worrying what someone else may think of it, because it is MY faith.  I'm not coercing someone to convert or join.

Just because I haven't had great luck introducing my friends to the Church doesn't mean I haven't made any inroads.  I haven't heard of anyone agreeing to listen to the missionaries from something I said or wrote, but that doesn't mean my beliefs have gone unnoticed.

I want to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, as I understand it, with others because I have felt a joy that comes from living it. It isn't a selfish reason, that is a completely UNselfish reason.

And, if something makes me happy, I would share that something with people I want to see happy--that is everyone I know and care about--so why wouldn't I want to share the doctrines of the Gospel with people when I know that God lives and loves me, and He answers my prayers.  His Son, Jesus Christ, is the Redeemer of the world--and my personal Savior as well. He was resurrected and gives each of us the chance to live again as well.  there is more to this life than just getting through it and He makes that possible for us. Because we have the restored priesthood of God--His power on the Earth today--we can be together forever with our families. 

These are the things that my faith has helped me recognize and unearth as tender mercies.  I see blessings all around me.  Why wouldn't I want to share this with others?  I want other people to be happy too? Recognizing that was a blessing too.

Living the gospel of Jesus Christ may not look or sound easy from the outside looking in, but I wouldn't have it any other way.  It is the source of happiness and joy to me--and I hope to my family.  But the best part is each person is able to ask and can receive and answer for themselves--if they sincerely ask, with real intent and having faith in Christ, God will make that answer known to them. I have nothing to do with them finding their own answer. You really can't get any more merciful than that.