Rewards for our trials

In chapter 2 of 2 Nephi in verse 2 I was touched immediately. Lehi is still alive and speaking to his other son Jacob. He says, "Nevertheless, Jacob, my firstborn in the wilderness, thou knowest the greatness of God; and he shall consecrate thine afflictions for they gain." Before this verse Lehi mentions how Jacob was his first born during his time of tribulation when they fled Jerusalem. I was touched because it was a good reminder to me that I must always endure my afflictions and I must endure them gracefully because I will be blessed from it. I think I will feel regret in my life if I cannot endure my trials gracefully. I will feel weak and weak in my faith. I do endure my trials, but I cannot say that I endure them gracefully yet. I will feel really good when I can conquer that. If you think about past trials and think of how you endured it are you happy or embarrassed. I have both feelings. At times I have done well, others...not so much. In the following verses Lehi focuses on Jacob's redemption and what he has been blessed with. I like the positive tone of what he says. I need to remember to speak to my children and husband often about the good things in our lives, the good they have done and the gratitude I have for them and for my Savior.

Lehi continues to speak of salvation and redemtion. Verse 8 was powerful to me. "Wherefore, how great the importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth..." He was speaking of the Holy Messiah and redemtion that comes through Him. I sometimes have moments when its like that lightbulb turns on I really do realize how important it is to share the gospel with others. It is our duty, it is God's will and everyone must have an opportunity to choose to accept it. I usually go throughout my day not actually thinking of how I might share the gospel, except for when I pray. But I guess just because I pray about opportunities to share the gospel and just because I pray for the missionaries to be able to share the gospel, doesn't mean that much is going to happen if I am not thinking about it throughout the day. How does one receive inspiration or feel led by the Spirit when it is not being pondered or thought about. My next question to myself is, How do I get myself to think about it with a 4 year old and a 1 year old? I know it can be done because I see how thoughtful others are in their efforts to not only share the gospel, but to serve others. I just am not sure how they exactly get there. Maybe there is an adjustment that I need to make in my life and what I think about, kind of like I did as a missionary. I had to adjust from thinking about my everyday cares to focusing on missionary work. I might have to think about this for a little bit, because I think there is probably a certain balance that is required so that family needs are not neglected.

Speaking of family needs, I should stop here. There is a house that needs cleaning and my children are sleeping.