So instead of typing out the entire book (which I'm pretty sure is illegal anyway), I'm going to summarize the stories, add my own tidbits, but still share the scriptures, quotes, and challenges verbatim.
The first part is a personal recollection of the author that I thought was beautiful. She talks about how she and her young son went outside after a vicious storm to see the damage left behind. They went outside expecting to find darkness and devastation, but instead were blessed with a beautiful sight instead, a giant rainbow. As they thought it couldn't become any more beautiful, a second rainbow formed over the first. They wanted to yell to everyone "Come and see!" because they didn't want anyone to miss the beauty and rarity of this wondrous sight. The invitation "Come and see" is so relevant to forming a personal relationship with Christ.
As Christ walked along the Sea of Galilee, he invited two fishermen, Simon and Andrew, to come and see. (John 1:38, 39; Matthew 4:18-19) This simple invitation sums up Christ's ministry. It was always an invitation... Come and see. Come follow me. Come unto me. As His followers came, he showed them blessings like making the dead walk again, turning water to wine, the lame walking, and the blind seeing.
The invitation is the same for us as it was to those who actually saw Him. Will we cast aside our nets and come and see? There are so many distractions that interfere and entangle us.. Time constraints, daily chores, worldly pursuits, work demands, pride, etc. My distractions include being a mother and savoring quiet time by engaging in activities that aren't productive and definitely don't help me build a relationship with my Savior. The sacrifice of these distractions is worth having the Lord as our best friend. The author said "If we are to be truly happy, if we are to reach our full potential, I believe we must create a place for the Savior in our lives."
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said, "My desire today is for all of us... to have more straightforward personal experience with the Savior's example. Sometimes we seek heaven too obliquely, focusing on programs or history or the experience of others. Those are important but not as important as personal experience, true discipleship, and the strength that comes from experiencing firsthand the Majesty of His touch." ("Broken Things to Mend," Ensign, May 2006, 70)
Most often the quiet invitation of the Master will come as we read the scriptures, visit the temple (or aspire to go to the temple for those of us who haven't received those blessings yet), attend church meetings, and during the still moments when we sincerely pray.
She challenges in the book to pray before reading for the day to have an open heart. She assures (and I second her) that, even though we may doubt the strong presence of Christ in our heart, we can still have the assurance that we are not alone, and that every day we are growing closer to Him.
The Invitation: Come
Read the account of the fishermen in Mark 1:16-18 and in John 1:38-39
The Journey
-Determine what fills your nets. Are everyday challenges such as time constraints, demands from work or home, or feelings of inadequacy or fear holding you back from developing a relationship with Christ?
-Today try to listen for the quiet invitations from the Lord to come and see.
My personal responses to the invitation and the journey..
I know that being a mother and being pregnant is my favorite excuse for everything. I don't intend on using them as excuses, but it is easier for me to take a bubble bath or waste time on facebook when Milo is taking a nap, instead of using that time to read my scriptures or pray. There are feelings of inadequacy and fear that go along with my excuses that all hold me back from reading my scriptures or trying to build my relationship with my Savior. As of right now, I am taking time to write this blog post while Milo is awake! He is watching "Tangled" and dancing around the living room, being as good as can be while I am taking some time to do this for myself. That kinda sounds like I'm abandoning him and I'm sure if you took a picture of us right now it wouldn't look very good.. lol But I promise this post has taken me hours because I do take breaks and get him a sippy cup or something to eat! Now that I've justified myself writing this, I'll get back to the important stuff!
"If you want to know who Christ is, come and see." Simple as that.
Now to take on the challenge of listening for quiet invitations from the Lord to come and see.
xoxo,
Alecia
You are amazing! This is what I needed to hear too! I'm so going to be following you. I will eventually get the book but I will follow and try and participate as much as I can :) We've actually been trying to get sealed as a family for the last 3 years as well. Your not SO not alone! Also we've also been re-evaluating we spend our time and we actually just got rid of cable/tv today so we can better ourselves as well! Your an inspiration and a great momma :)
ReplyDeleteYou are such an incredible writer Alecia! I love your perspective; I love knowing that even being a busy (and pregnant!) mom you can find the time for those quiet moments where the spirit can whisper it's calm assurances to you. Most of all, thank you thank you thank you for choosing to share this, because it's making all the difference in my life already! Love you!
ReplyDeleteI love the wording "straightway they forsook their nets and followed..." what faith!!! They accepted the invitation instead of rejecting it! Come and see... How easy would it have been to say... ahh, I have to much to do or maybe tomorrow. What a powerful and rewarding invite! The Spirit whispers to me that He is the Christ and the Love He has for me is immeasurable! So grateful for this Challenge! Thank you Alecia!
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