For our young women activity tonight, each girl and each leader was supposed to bring a story and a display from their personal family history. I think it was a great idea and highly recommend it for anyone out there wanting ideas for a mutual or Relief Society activity.
So now on to a few things on my mind . . .
1 - What I wish I would have said
As I sat and listened to the stories of all the great family members and ancestors of the young women as well as reflected on the story that I had prepared to share, I couldn't help but be touched by the empowering spirit of Elijah. Before I shared my story, I felt strongly that I should share with the girls a little about the story of Elijah and about the power that exists within the bonds of family stretched between us here and now and our family beyond this mortal realm. I wanted to make sure they understand the blessings that the spirit of Elijah provides us. I want them to know that their ancestors are watching them and praying for them and providing an added support for them as they travel through this life and face the trials it brings. I want them to see that learning about the lives of their ancestors will help them in learning about themselves and their purpose in this life, and the stories that they read will give them an added strength to overcome the hardships that come their way. I want them to feel the tenderness of the spirit and know that it is also a powerful spirit that will aid them in bringing the gospel to others as so many people long for a connection to their ancestry and that longing will lead to an open heart that will allow them to feel that "tug" from their own ancestors waiting for the opportunity to accept the gospel. I want them to know that I have a testimony of the sealing power that binds in heaven what is bound on earth and that it is a power that has and will continue to change their lives.
I want them to know all that, and I wish I would have said all that . . . but I am sad to say that I did not. I let my mind get in the way. I talked myself out of it as I had arrived late and didn't know what had already been said, and I didn't know if someone else was going to conclude the meeting with saying those things, and I didn't want to drag things on too long as to bore the girls, and the list goes on of reasons I did not.
. . . to be continued. It is past my bed time, and my hubby has gone to bed without me. So I must go, but will return to finish my list of thoughts....
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