Delightful

©Darrell Wyatt

I'll have to admit that I'm a little naive when it comes to other religions.  I assume too much.  I just figure that everyone believes in Jesus and the Atonement and eternal life, like I do.  Living in Utah probably adds a little bit (okay, probably a lot) to that.  While Utah as a whole is becoming more and more diverse, the little valley that I live in doesn't see a whole lot of diversity.  My doctor is LDS, my dentist is LDS, my paperboy is LDS.  Most of my kids' school teachers are even LDS.  If I go to the grocery store, I overhear conversations about who's going on their mission and who just came home.  On any given day, there are various street corners with signs reminding of tonight's Enrichment Activity. And I LOVE it!  I love raising my kids in a place where my morals and values abound, probably just as someone who is Southern Baptist would love living in the South.  (Is my naivete showing?)

The problem, though, with feeling so comfortable and sheltered is that I have probably become a little lazy.  I just figure that with so many members of the church, everyone is or has been exposed to the gospel.  I don't want to push my religion on people who don't want to hear.  Today's reading showed me that Nephi was quite the opposite.

Behold, my soul delighteth in proving unto my people the truth of the coming of Christ...

And also my soul delighteth in the covenants of the Lord which he hath made to our fathers; yea, my soul delighteth in his grace, and in his justice, and power, and mercy in the great and eternal plan of deliverance from death.

And my soul delighteth in proving unto my people that save Christ should come all men must perish.

Not only did Nephi work to spread the news of Jesus' coming, he delighted in it.  

Now, I delight in many things.  Cheesecake is delightful.  A rainbow is delightful.  Standing high above the valley after a good hike is extremely delightful to me.  I delight in watching my kids excel at whatever they love, whether it be football or soccer or marching band.  But delight in spreading the gospel?  Not so much.  I tend to delight in staying in my little comfort zone.  Any accidental venture outside of it results in a near nervous breakdown.

I often wonder why it's so difficult for me.  I can run outside in the rain, wearing my pajamas and bare feet to take the garbage to road.  I can run down to the store in my homemade tomato soup spattered t-shirt, knowing full well I'll run into someone I know.  But sharing the gospel is too hard!  

Don't get me wrong.  If someone asks me a question about the church or our beliefs, I am delighted to answer.  I love the gospel.  I love talking about it - to anyone who really wants to hear.  I do, as Nephi did, delight "in His grace, and in His justice, and power, and mercy in the great and eternal plan".  I love the Lord with all my heart.  I am grateful for His atoning sacrifice.  I know that He loves me even more than I love Him.  So why can't I share that?

Hopefully, I just did.

Click here to read what I read today: Chapter 10 

Click here to read what I read today: Chapter 11