Seek Ye First. . .

3 Nephi 13 - Given the way this day has started, I think I'm going to focus on verse 32-34 on this chapter. Jesus is still with the people of Nephi. He has singled out the Twelve and is teaching them about ministering. In the last three verses, he tells them not to worry about the things of this world. He tells them the Lord knows of their needs even before they ask. They are admonished to “. . . seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Although he was speaking to the Twelve, this counsel applies to us in many ways. Sometimes we get too caught up in the concerns of the day when it is building the Lord's kingdom here on earth and seeking for Eternal Life that is the only thing of serious consequence.

I was awakened by my son to see if I'd like to take in an endowment session with him this morning. He had a troubled night. How grateful I am that the temple is where he wants to take his troubles. Even more grateful that he would include me in this effort. Would we not all be served well to do this each time we have problems?

In the prayer at the end of the session, the officiator prayed that we would seek be more tolerant. This is a phrase I can't say I've ever heard in that setting before. It got my attention. It struck a chord with my son as well and he mentioned it to me later. He also was shown in his mind something about his dearest friendship that almost wasn't because he was tempted in the beginning not to be tolerant of things that bothered him – things that did not matter at all. Because he worked through those, he has been blessed with an amazing best friend and example in his life. He is like a second son to me. So this caught his attention and he felt blessed because of it and encouraged to move forward.

I am so grateful to have a temple nearby where I can seek for the calm that sometimes eludes me. I'm grateful for a son who has found this same blessing in his life and will afford himself the time to do so. My cup runneth over this morning and I am most grateful for my life and the amazing children and husband I've been blessed with. They teach me and have made me the person I am. Life is sweet!