Sacrifice

Taught a Sunday School lesson today about sacrifice. The Spirit was very much in evidence as I spoke about the blood sacrifices of ancient days and how the Sacrament replaced that series of ordinances with the inclusion of a broken heart and a contrite spirit. We spoke of how President Benson's father was called on a mission and how the family had to sacrifice to make that happen. We shared what we knew about farming and how every family member had that responsibility. We then remembered President Kimball's instruction from October or April of 1974 that every worthy young man should serve a mission. I remember how the draft had just ended and that made this work possible. I then recounted to them how I ran in college and after deciding to serve the Lord on my mission that my personal time dropped a full 3 seconds in a 2 lap race. I remember that feeling as if it was yesterday. The Lord approved my choice. I knew I would win that morning that I woke up. It was the most humbling feeling I had experienced to that point in my life. After the race I remember one of my friends who was not a member, but who had been working out with me the entire season ask me if I really intended to go. How could I not? The Lord had verified that I had made the right choice. Even when we are imperfect, the Lord loves us and will speak to us in his still small voice if we have the courage to listen and act with faith believing that he will be there. I know that he will be.