...I was called many times and I would not hear; therefore I knew concerning these things, yet I would not know;(Alma 10:6)
It was really interesting for me to read about Amulek today. It seems that when I read the Book of Mormon, I tend to focus on the big names - the well-known stories. I found out today that there is much to be learned from the lesser known heroes of the scriptures.
And behold, I am also a man of no small reputation among all those who know me; yea, and behold, I have many kindreds and friends, and I have also acquired much riches by the hand of my industry. (Alma 10:4)
Read out of context, that verse could be construed as Amulek bragging about himself, when in reality, he was just prefacing the things that he was going to tell the people. He was basically saying "I'm an intelligent guy, and most of you know that, but..."
Nevertheless, after all this, I never have known much of the ways of the Lord, and his mysteries and marvelous power. I said I never had known much of these things; but behold, I mistake, for I have seen much of his mysteries and his marvelous power; yea, even in the preservation of the lives of this people. (Alma 10:5)
Amulek knew that the Lord had, on numerous occasions, spared the lives of his ancestors. He knew that he was mistaken to say that he did not know of the Lord's power, and the fact that he corrected himself spoke volumes to me. There have been times where I have forgotten how much I really know and understand about the power and majesty of God. Times that I take for granted all the evidence of his love that surrounds me on a daily basis. I get busy. I get overwhelmed with all that I am responsible for, and I forget to take time to bask in His tender mercies.
I live in one of the most beautiful places on earth. I am surrounded by mountains and lakes. There are daily opportunities, if I wanted, to go for a hike right out my front door. There have been times, as I've driven from errand to errand, that I have been so full of gratitude for the beauty of my surroundings that I've felt as if my heart would burst. However, those few times are far outnumbered by the times that I hurriedly move from place to place, noticing little and not thanking at all.
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| The Logan River, just miles from my home ©Darrell Wyatt |
I believe Amulek was basically a good person who, like me, got caught up in the day to day routine and just forgot what he knew. If this were not true, an angel would not have visited with him to tell him of Alma's coming. Although Amulek may have, for a time, forgotten God, God did not forget him. He knew that Amulek would listen to the promptings of the spirit, so He gave him a calling to take care of Alma and then to preach alongside him.
There have been times that a calling has been extended to someone in my ward, and I've thought "What are they thinking?". (I know...terrible, right?) I know that I've been extended a call and thought "What are they thinking?" But the call does not come from the Bishop or the Relief Society President or the Primary President. The call comes from the Lord. And he knows each of us and what our strengths are. He alone knows in which areas we need to be stretched and strengthened. That is another sign of His unmatched love.
If I had no mountains to look at, no valleys or rivers, no history of miracles to go by, I would still not be able to deny the power of God. I don't have to look any further than my children. The way they smile and run and laugh and cry and talk and sing are all powerful evidences of a higher being. Watching them grow from tiny, helpless infants into confident, beautiful teenagers has been a miracle in and of itself.
I am full to overflowing with gratitude for the "mysteries and marvelous power" of God in my life. I will strive every day to not forget.
Heather,
ReplyDeleteAnother one of my favorites. I love you so much.....Mom