Miracles

"We become the stories we tell."

This is one of my most beloved spiritual truths. The phrase was Spirit-inspired, and it has become my creed of sorts. It defines the music I listen to, the books I read, the classes I take, the way I use the internet, and the friends I choose. It defines how I write and how I talk. It is with this spirit that I feel to share my miracles today. If we would do might things, then we must spin our tellings of daily life as the miracles that they truly are.

I find that my miracles usually take shape in the people around me:

Glinda Hildegaard*

Outspoken. German.

I tried to think of five word to describe Sister Hildegaard, but I think that these two will suffice. From what I know of Germans, the first word could actually be engulfed by the second, and "German" might be the only necessary descriptor.

Maybe it's the Schleckmann in my blood, but I rather adore Germans.

Sister Hildegaard was one of our first member visits, and she continues to be the highlight of my new area. Sister Ott warned me that Sister Hildegaard was very inactive and wouldn't be pushed into anything. This proved to be true on all accounts.

But by some miracle, Sister Hildegaard decided that she liked me, and that she wants to come to church. She dictated the content and length of our 75-minute visit, and what resulted was a lengthy exposition on why the church is superior and why she might want to come...could we arrange a ride for her? And bless the member who brought her to church - she also took her on a tour of the temple grounds. So Sister Hildegaard, who won't be pushed and who thinks that I'm the bees knees (bless her for it, I was feeling rather frightened and unloved) is coming to church. And looking froward to the temple. :)

George Thompson*

"Intellectual blackjack dealer."

This is how we describe George to members and missionaries.

Thirty-three years old with a bachelors degree in philosophy. A dreamer, as all 20- and 30-year-olds should be. Insists on sailboats and trips to South America, and hopes that the Plan of Salvation will allow for such things. In response to his first exposure to Elder Oaks at General Conference he said, "He's scary." ...We're praying that he'll look past the severity of the commandments and start enjoying them.

George is a miracle of a personal sort. He was the first investigator that I taught in our new area, a true kindred spirit. We introduced Adam and Eve, and he immediately referenced Sunset Limited, a compelling book and one of my favorite works of literature. I was tickled.

His current concern is that he might not fit into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints because he asks too many questions. Ha! Matthew 7 long ago put that worry to rest for me. As an avid question-asker (and recovering doubter), I take seriously the admonition "Ask, and ye shall receive; knock and it shall be opened unto you." It is a miracle to share my testimony with one who will ask questions as I do.

Ray Zalufa*

Mid-thirties. Native-American. Two adorable little girls and a non-member wife. Ray was baptized as a teenager, but hasn't attended church since then. We knocked on his door my first day in Moore. He's not listed on the ward records, so we were bemused when he asked us if we had eaten dinner.

We returned two days later to have dinner with the family and to teach primary songs to his little girls. Now we are praying for Ray and his entire family to join us at church.

God is serious about His rescue, and He allows us to be participants.

Most miraculous of all is the realization that God is preparing people to receive Him, through us. His work is exciting ("the most remarkable era in the history of the church," says Elder Perry), and WE get to be His hands!!

For behold, angels are declaring it unto many at this time in our land; and this is for the purpose of preparing the hearts of the children of men to receive his word.  Alma 13:24

*Names changed, as usual. I hope that I can remember their real names post-mission! :)