3 Nephi 24:10-11 - Blessings Abound!

Let’s see if I can capture the thoughts I had when I read this earlier this morning.  Sometimes my scripture study time is not without interruption.  Such was the case this morning.  However, when I read 3 Nephi 24: 10-11, I stopped in my tracks.  We’re supposed to liken the scriptures unto ourselves.  Right?  Well, this time it hit me in a totally different way. 

The first time I remember hearing the phrase, “ . . . and pour you out a blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it”, was from my Dad when he gave me a father’s priesthood blessing for the first time.  I had been encouraged by my missionary friends to ask for a blessing.  This was totally foreign in our family.  I had always thought priesthood blessings were for the sick and dying – not healthy, confused and needy children.  What a novel idea!  I pulled myself together and decided to go to my parents’ home one night and tell them of my journey.  I was turning my life around and I needed courage to do what lay ahead.  I was in a miserable marriage and I wanted out.  I gave it a good try – nine years of my life, and I wanted the life I saw my parents and siblings having.  I was studying the scriptures, going to church as best I could, and I hungered for more – a lot more.  Well, my dad gave me a beautiful blessing.  My parents were happy for the changes I was making and the direction I wanted to go.  In that blessing, he said something to the effect that if I continued on the path I was charting that the Lord would pour out blessings that there would not be room enough to receive them.  I will say that this phrase was prophetic.  I have been abundantly blessed beyond measure.  I am so very grateful!  I’m also grateful for this memory.

As I continued reading this morning, I stopped again to ponder verse 11.  Why have I never noticed this before?  “And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes (I’ve noticed this one), and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground . . .”  I have read it and noticed it, but always equated it to the fruits of my labors – like a farmer would his fields.  What are the fruits of my labor?  What are the fruits of my ground?  My children!  I have always had the faith that eventually they will yearn for the warmth of the gospel in their lives again.  I don’t know what beckoned me to return.  It just felt like it was time.  The people in my life were encouraging and it was just the right thing to do.  I have total faith that my children and grandchildren who have wandered off the covenant path will have a similar experience.  I always add this caveat, “If not in this life, then in the next”.   I know we have our agency, and that this is a very important part of Heavenly Father’s plan.  But I also believe what we’ve been told about covenant children.  Somehow, this is all going to work out.  President Hinckley said that numerous times.  They may have to suffer, even as Christ did (D&C 19:16-17), but they will somehow return.