Now Let Us Rejoice

My thoughts on Sister Thompson's talk Now Let Us Rejoice

Sister Thompson said:
Let’s devote ourselves to Relief Society, as advised by President Boyd K. Packer: “Service in the Relief Society magnifies and sanctifies each individual sister. . . . When you devote yourself to the Relief Society and organize it and operate it and participate in it, you sustain the cause that will bless every woman who comes within its influence.”

How easily do we magnify and sanctify our calling as a visiting teacher?

I'm over Visiting Teaching in my ward and it is so hard to get my own visiting teaching done. Granted I have a hard list--I write to the very inactive sisters--the ones who don't want any contact with the church. It has been very hard because I have no relationship with these sisters. If I ran into them at the grocery store I wouldn't know them from Eve. But I faithfully do my calling.

Now, I'm not sure what to think about the teaching comments she made. I don't mean to sound puffed up, but I'm a dang good teacher--I do it every day, and yet, I'm behind the piano in primary. Likewise my husband is behind the computer doing scouting stuff. I sometimes think the Lord truly doesn't need nor want us in this ward. I know that sound conceited, but that's how I feel.

She said:

Sisters, now more than ever, we need women to step up and be strong. We need women who declare the truth with strength, faith, and boldness. We need women to set an example of righteousness. We need women to be “anxiously engaged in a good cause.” We need to live so that our lives bear witness that we love our Heavenly Father and the Savior Jesus Christ and that we will do what They have asked us to do. We need to rescue “all that is finest down deep inside of [us]” so that as daughters of God we can do our part to build the kingdom of God. We will have help to do this. As Joseph declared, “If you live up to your privileges, the angels cannot be restrained from being your associates.”

I can't but once a month in fast and testimony meeting declare with boldness, neither my husband. Of course I do it daily with my family and hopefully my actions at all times, in all things and in all places say that, but I don't "declare" when behind a piano.

I truly feel like an ace player sitting on the bench, rested, waiting for my turn to play and the coach keeps passing me by. I guess I just need to be ready for when I'm called upon.