Small and Simple Things

Our mission president said in his email to us today, "We have become so grateful for 'small and simple things.' My favorite scripture in Alma 37:6,7 concerning small and simple things is having a deeper and deeper meaning." He is referring to the tiny miracles they are seeing daily in his wife, Sister McKee. She has been in critical condition in the hospital since Thanksgiving after a severe heart attack, stroke, cardiac arrest, and bleeding in her brain. She has gone through multiple surgeries and is slowly coming out of her coma. Tens of thousands have been joining in prayer for her and her family. Even the Quorum of the 12 Apostles held a special prayer for her this week. We miss our dear mission mom but we know that these small miracles are progress in the right direction. 

It's true, Heavenly Father leads us along "line upon line and precept upon precept" (2 Nephi 28:30). He does not show us every miracle nor give us every answer all at once. 

This week a dear friend of mine sent me Vocal Point's newest CD, "Lead Thou Me On." Besides highly recommending it, I also want to share how one song on the CD seems to be just for me.

The first track is "Lead Kindly Light," a song that has taken on a whole new meaning for me. "The night is dark, and I am far from home, Lead thou me on!" The night is very dark out here in the country, each day is long, and we are tired and very far from home. We are guided by the Spirit while on the Lord's errand.

"I loved to choose and see my path, but now, Lead thou me on." I have always been a planner. I like to see far in advance and know where I'll be and what I'll be doing tomorrow, next month, next year, 30 years down the road. I have never had to rely so much on faith and not see so far. I truly have been learning to ask Heavenly Father, "Keep thou my feet; I do not ask to see the distant scene. One step enough for me." Is one step really enough for me? 

We lead those we teach one step at a time. We give them small commitments: "Will you read from the Book of Mormon every day? Will you pray to know that Joseph Smith is a prophet?" Then, "Will you come to church this Sunday?" Then, "Will you commit to live the Word of Wisdom....the law of chastity....the law of tithing?" Then, "Will you follow the example of Jesus Christ and be baptized by someone holding the Priesthood Authority of God?" 

Through small and simple means, we are led one step at a time through our journey. Be patient with the Lord and remember that He is working on His own timetable. That is one of the biggest lessons I am learning as His servant. 

Sister Ryceejo Nordstrom