And it's wonderful.
I notice that when I feel the spirit, I am much more receptive to the beauty in this world. And I'm an emotional guy, and there are some things I just can't help but weep at. The beauty of the Temple, children laughing and having fun, witnessing someone bare their soul in a testimony. These and so many other things.
Let's not forget music. You should be fairly aware of the role that music has played in my spiritual life, and I tell you, a good song will set off the waterworks. "Pure Imagination" from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory is burning a hole in my mind right now, just the message of that song is gorgeous:
"If you want to view paradise,
simply look around and view it.
Anything you want to, do it.
Want to change the world? There's nothing to it."
This world is so beautiful. There is so much beauty that surrounds us everyday, in the trees, and the air. The majesty of mountains that surround the valley, the beautiful desert stillness. All of the Father's creation is wonderful.
But I think the most beautiful thing He created is His children. True, there is a lot of bad in the world, but then there is so much good! Each one of His children is born with the light of Christ within them, and they use it everyday to astonish me. The kindness and compassion of people toward total strangers astonishes me. I strive to show that compassion, that charity. The pure love of Christ. As I come closer to Him, I recognize further that each one of us is a Child of God, that we are created in His image, and we are marvelous.
I'm trying to be more empathetic. I'm trying to be a better man, less judgmental, more accepting. I've noticed that not only have I become more perceptive to the beauty in others, I'm also more in tune with their pain. I'm the kind of person that would suffer, go through agony, rather than say or do anything that someone I care about might be offended or hurt by. And I also strive to comfort others.
The other day, I had a friend who I could tell was struggling with something. I asked if this person was alright, and they began to tear up, and so we went outside to talk. Once we were safely alone, this person broke down. It was all I could do to hold them as they cried, to offer my silent support in an embrace. I wished I could do more. It hurt me so badly to see them in pain, and know that I couldn't take it away. All I could do was comfort them with my presence, and a silent prayer to Father for peace and comfort. I would have given so much to take that pain from them, to wave a wand and fix the situation.
In that moment, I was filled with love for this dear friend. I can scarcely imagine the love our Savior has for us. He knelt in the garden of Gethsemane, and he bore not only our sins, but our weaknesses, and afflictions. Our sorrow and grief. He suffered any and everything we ever have or will suffer. Every tear we will shed was paid for with drops of his blood. A love so pure, that to feel it in it's fullness would destroy our mortal frame.
And I'm unworthy.
I'm not worthy of that forgiveness. I'm in debt, everyday to that act. It's a loan I can never repay, but then again I'm not asked to. Much like the person who pays for your lunch, and simply asks you to pay it forward, our Father asks us to do the same. We are charged with serving His children in whatever manner we can. Whether that's showing kindness or charity to a stranger, providing comfort to a hurting friend, buying a meal for someone who can't afford to themselves; we are tasked to serve, and have many ways to do so.
I'm grateful everyday for my loving Father in Heaven, and the sacrifice His Son made for me. I only pray that I can reflect that love in my interactions with everybody, no matter our differences. We are each a child of God. and are thus deserving and worthy of the respect of our fellow man. I pray that one day, we will all see the value and good in others, and strive to make the world a better place, together.
Love,
Taylor.
