Recently, because of a very in tune Relief Society teacher, I had the opportunity to reflect on the evolution of my testimony. I thought long and hard about any spiritual experiences I had as a child. The main thing that came to mind was the amazing tingly feeling I had shoot from my head to toe when I received the Holy Ghost. Christian doctrine says that we must be baptized by water and fire. In my faith, at age 8, when a child is accountable for their own actions they can be baptized by immersion. Afterwards, under the hands of those in authority holding The Holy Melchizedek Priesthood, one can be confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and be baptized by fire when told to receive the constant companionship of The Holy Ghost. I had a really cool experience that even at age 38, I still remember vividly.
Besides this amazing experience, I could not recall a lot of details of times that I felt the influence of The Holy Ghost as a child. One thing that I did recall was a picture of Christ that my mom had hanging in our home. It was a beautiful sketch of Christ spending time with the children. I remembered that as a child, I spent significant time looking at this photo. It made me feel so good.
I can remember as a teenager looking at this photo, and having a distinct impression that I wasn't living in a way that showed Christ that I knew that he loved me and that I loved him.
As an adult, pondering this piece of art and all the good feelings associated with it, I had a profound realization. I realized that as a child I had a pure love for my Savior Jesus Christ. I feel like I have grown to love the Savior even more in the last few years, but I don't believe this testimony has evolved. I think I had a very strong testimony as a child that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world. Now as an adult, yes I do have a great knowledge of my Savior, but it does not trump that I had as a child. If anything I am trying my hardest to get back to that pure testimony that I had when I was young.
Matthew 19:14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
And if you are anything like me, and are struggling daily with raising children. Go here. You will find inspiration as I did. I promise.
I enjoyed reading your thoughts on the progression of testimony. I like the idea of our pure and simple testimony we had as young children being as important as a more matrue testimony. I find myself reaching back to childhood and trying to be more faithful and trusting and yes, pure in my testimony of Jesus Christ.
ReplyDeleteI still have that painting hanging in my house. I wonder if it did for my children what it has done for you?
nice Sunday post.
ReplyDeletei think i'm going to have to reflect myself. i love that picture. I grew up with one in my house too and i now have one in my boys' room.
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