K-Lightful: Six months in England

Tomorrow we will have been in England six months. It seems appropriate to reflect on our time spent here. Recently I have had two revelations about our work here. First of all, we often share scriptures from the Book of Mormon with the people we teach. Sometimes in reading them we realize that some of it may offend people who aren't living up to what they know. I felt a little concern about that, one night, as we were leaving to teach. I am used to being diplomatic and trying to avoid offense. As I felt these concerns, a voice in my mind said, "These are not your words". I realized that I was not to worry about it. The next day I read this thought in the Book of Mormon Institute manual and it was confirmed to me again.
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Nephi declared truth to his disobedient brothers in an effort to help them turn their hearts to God. Those who offend the Spirit through wickedness often take offense when given inspired correction or chastisement. Elder Neal A. Maxwell (1926–2004) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained why we should accept the Lord’s correction even if it is painful: “God is not only there in the mildest expressions of His presence, but also in those seemingly harsh expressions. For example, when truth ‘cutteth … to the very center’ (1 Nephi 16:2), this may signal that spiritual surgery is underway, painfully severing pride from the soul” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1987, 37; or

Ensign,Nov. 1987, 31).

I also realized it isn't kind to let people think that all will be well with them when it won't be. We are here to warn people. It isn't always easy, but it is necessary.

The other revelation I received was concerning teaching. We are always trying to improve as teachers and the institute lessons are so good, but often we feel that we are not very flashy teachers. We feel inadequate. This thought came to me. We are all the Lord has right now. Who else would serve in this calling and be there every week for these young people? He can make up the difference for what we lack.

We are often overwhelmed at the suffering of so many people we meet. The people here seem like they are burdened with health, emotional and relationship trials. I like what President Eyring said in the Priesthood session of conference. He spoke of a visit by a Bishop and a young priest to a home where the father was an alcoholic and two little girls answered the door. After leaving he told the young priest, “We can’t change the tragedy in their lives yet, but they can feel that the Lord loves them.” I think that's what we can do for people.

We are learning many things here in England. Perhaps more than anything is that the Gospel blesses lives. If only we could help more people see that. Many people resist the very thing they need most. The abundant life is really found in giving up so many things people think they can't live without.

Now for the current events. Hannah a young woman we found while trying to visit her inactive parents has just set a date for baptism. We are happy for her and we hope her parents hearts will be softened and return to full activity in the church.
We spent a rainy p-day today catching up on things around the flat. We did some extra cleaning and laundry and got some groceries. We also took a nap. Last week we went to Liverpool and saw the Liverpool Cathedral. It is a huge building with a great view from the top.