The 10 virgins taught me today

I drove home tonight filled with emotion.  I had received so much information at once, and I didn’t want to lose any of it before I could get home and get it out on paper.  I found myself literally holding my breath and crunching my stomach down as if I could somehow hold it in from disappearance. 

I should begin earlier in the day….   My sister and I had moment of frustration with one another on a miscommunication of where I should be tonight.  To an important dinner with her, or at my women’s Relief Society event.  I had disappointed her when I told her I wanted to go to my meeting.  I wrestled with myself throughout the day on whether I had made the right decision. 

This event was a play of sorts put on by women portraying Christ’s biblical parable of the 10 virgins.  Through song they retold the story of these women and what might have been their life’s blessings or challenges and how it played into meeting the Bridegroom.  As each women told her story, I saw myself and those I love in each one.  I saw my mother in the woman who spent all of her time serving and comforting others and lit the way for those who suffered,  I cried when I saw myself in another who was endlessly busy with day to day life, that had often run out of time to fill her lamp, or even light it daily.  I saw dear friends in the face of one whose life was filled with grief and sorrow, whose lamp was broken and could only be made whole again by one…  I saw the world in a young woman who was plagued by self doubt, and envious of those around her.  I yearned for the simplicity of another and the peace in her eyes as she described her love for her Savior.  Each had a story.  Each had a message.  Each story told, brought to my mind vivid answers to questions I had been searching for.  There are few times in my life that I have known without a doubt that the spirit was actually speaking words to my mind.  Tonight, I had no doubt. 

I am thankful to my Savior for the message given tonight.  For the comfort spoken to my soul.  I understand why it was a bit of a battle to make the decision to attend.  I understand my Heavenly Father as well as the adversary knew what I would gain tonight. 

Baa baa black sheep

Jess and Shannon have always had a jovial competition as siblings as to who was the rightful owner of the title ‘Black sheep’ in our family.  I, on the other hand am happy to sidestep that title.

I have been hearing a bit about sheep in the past few months.  Well, more about those who tend the sheep.  So there are shepherds, and then there are sheep herders.  There’s a difference.  Did you know that?  A Shepherd leads His sheep, guiding them.  While a sheep herder pushes the sheep from behind, forcing them in the direction he wants them to go. 

Is it any wonder why Christ is often referred to as our Shepherd?  I tend to be a sheep herder generally.  My sister Megan this written in her home:

REACT

  I believe it is the way Christ teaches us.  He doesn’t react to our mistakes, hopes, or pleadings.  He acts, and allows us to follow His perfect example.  I need to be better at teaching my children well enough, that when they happen upon a speed bump, they will know how to handle it, instead of watching them go full force toward the speed bump and screaming and chasing after them trying to make them avoid catastrophe.  Sigh.  So much to work on!