Food for the Soul

As you probably know I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, aka a Mormon. My faith is a very large part of my life. It shapes the way I think, what decisions I make, the clothes I wear, and so much more. I have many friends who are not Mormons. We have different beliefs and that is perfectly fine. Sometimes we venture into discussions, agree to disagree, and still love each other just the same. I think that is how it should be. I am not here to judge you, or to force my beliefs onto you.

Growing up, I had a good friend of another faith. I don’t want to mention names so we will call the church "X". Her mother would not allow her to come with me to church. Her church had classes about what Mormons believe and how we are bad. I find that so interesting. Why would you go to X church to learn about another church? It just doesn’t make sense. Just like the in media recently with the whole big hoopla about people saying Mormons are not Christians. I don’t know why someone who is not Mormon would have any knowledge or authority to tell others what Mormons believe. I would never ask a non-catholic what Catholics believe. I have always been taught that most every church has something good about them.

So today, my very good friend invited me to go to a church across the street from my work. They do a weekly lunch with a short sermon. I will admit, I was only going because of the cheap delicious food (which by the way was really good.) But I also really enjoyed the sermon. (Even though it was kind of a plug for the guys book which was a little weird to me.) He talked about restlessness. How sometimes we always look for more, wish we had more or that things were better/different. The "grass is greener" philosophy. He talked about how this restlessness can be a strength in that you are always trying to improve what you are doing. That can be a good thing. However, you need to be grateful for the blessings that you do have. I have been feeling like that lately. There are several things in my life that I wish would improve. Lately, I have felt a little selfish and like I am not counting my blessings but focusing on what I don’t have. Instead of being happy that I have a sweet husband, a beautiful daughter, a warm home, and a wonderful job; I have been focusing on needed house repairs, almost broken down cars, money that we don’t have, and time that I have to spend away from my daughter. The man at the sermon talked about how instead of being restless, we should strive for patience with hope and faith that things will get better. I know that the Lord is aware of me and my life. I know that it is in His hands and things will go on His time. I need to be open to His guidance, and in the meantime focus on being happy with what I have.

Between a wiggling toddler and having a calling in the nursery, it is sometimes hard for me to listen to messages at church. I guess the Lord found me where he could. It was a much needed reminder for my life. I am glad that I ventured across the street for some fried chicken.