The Sun, The Son

Years ago I heard a woman speak of a trip to Alaska.  She said that even though Alaska has a shorter growing season, the fruits and vegetables grow to be very large because of the increased hours of sunlight. So I looked it up and things really do grow bigger in Alaska because that state has as much as 20 hours of sun per day which not only causes vegetables to grow bigger but things like carrots are sweeter too. Of course that brings thoughts to my mind of how people grow bigger too in the light of another Son, Jesus Christ. When we allow His light to shine on us our capacity increases and we become bigger and better than we ever thought possible. Not only do our hearts grow but our knowledge increases and our capacity to serve enlarges.  His love allows us to love ourselves and others. When we realize that He suffered the atonement because He loves us we begin to see our true worth and value and the worth and value of others.  His love beckons me to keep the commandments and follow Him.  His love teaches to me to reach out to others and His love urges me to learn more about Him and His ways.  As I study the scriptures and writings of the prophets my knowledge increases.  When I have a question and study and ponder it, sometimes I am filled with knowledge and light regarding the answer, an answer that could only come from God.  Because of His light I am able to learn not only of spiritual matters but also of things regarding my life in this world. After all, He is the Great Creator of all things and He has all knowledge.  He can give me knowledge on how to best help my children, how to solve financial problems or how to forgive someone. He can help me learn about anything!  As I study His word I am taught to reach out and serve others as He did.  “Come follow me” He taught and He spent His whole life in service to others, in word and in deed.  I remember a time when I was pregnant with my seventh child and I was so, so very tired.  It was Monday night and time for Family Home Evening and my husband was away on a business trip, and it was 6 noisy, energetic children and one very tired mom.  I knew I needed to do Family Home Evening but I didn’t think I had it in me to do it.  Mostly I just wanted to go in the bedroom and cry from sheer exhaustion. Out of pure obedience to what I knew was right to do, I decided we would learn a new song out of the Children’s Hymnbook. I let the kids pick a song and then we put on the CD of the music to learn it.  As we sat in a circle around the music book and sang the song together over and over there came a sweet feeling and light into our home.  My children really enjoyed singing the song and even though it was a very simple Family Home Evening I really felt my capacity to serve and teach my precious children had been enlarged.  His light had increased my abilities and given me strength when I was so very tired and had enabled me to serve. The light of Jesus Christ helps each of us to become more than we ever thought possible!