A time for reflection, a time for love

I have been asked to speak in my ward this Sunday, on of all things, reactivation. To those of you who are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, that word means something specific. For those of you who are not, reactivation simply refers to members who have started coming back to church after not coming for some period of time. Active=going and participating; inactive=not going or participating. There are varying levels of both.

For those of you who may not know much about me, I have always been a member of the LDS church, but was "inactive" for about 17 years. During that time, I met and married my wonderful husband, Ed, and we had 2 beautiful sons. If there's interest, I'd be glad to post about my "re-activation," but for time's sake, I'll defer that story for now.

Suffice it to say that I guess because I've been both inactive and re-activated, they saw me as a good candidate to speak on the subject. I guess so, but all I really know is my personal experience. I cannot speak for others who have decided to leave the church. Everyone has their own personal experiences, reasons, problems, life choices, etc. that may or may not lead them to that decision. However, I agreed to speak.

As I've thought about this assignment/topic, two words kept coming to mind: love and choice ("agency," for those who speak the nomenclature). The two things that have stood out to me most as I think about this topic are, that first and foremost, we need to love our neighbors, period. There can be no, "Gosh, if I treat this neighbor kindly enough, maybe they'll come back to church." They'll see you coming, guaranteed. Secondly, even if we learn to love our neighbors "in spite of" their choices (this is said tongue in cheek, because I really feel strongly about it), they still have just that: the right to choose. And it is their choice. And again, they will see you coming.

Let me quote from my brother here, who posted this on his web site, and I think it's beautifully written. He's talking about his experience serving in the bishopric of his ward:

"I found that I loved conversing with people about the things that were most important to them, and above all I learned that when it comes down to it, people just want . . . to be loved. And that is what Christ provides for us all--love. The Atonement is an act of perfect love and enables us to spread the love of Christ to all. We can love and serve, and if we love and serve, eventually the Father's plan will be carried out. Love and service coupled with an understanding of our purpose can enable us to achieve amazing things that benefit us as individuals, our families, our neighbors and society in general. Not surprising that that is how the Father works."

Beautiful, and simple. Really, it is. The gospel plan really is stunning in its simplicity. As I thought about this topic, the Lord--in His tender mercy--opened for me Doctrine & Covenants section 4, where I found the following (I've left the scriptural cross references embedded because it was easier than removing them all):

"For behold the field is white already to harvest; and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store that he perisheth not, but bringeth salvation to his soul;
"And faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work.
"Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence.
"Ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you."

As I read this passage, it occurred to me that it's all right there, specifically in verse 6. Besides the words I chose (love and choice), think about it: faith, virtue, knowledge, temperence, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence. Living and embracing any of these qualities by themselves will certainly make us a better person. But altogther? Prepare yourself to be translated! Ok, kidding on that part. But seriously, if we endeavor to embody these attributes, it will cease to be about "reactivating" our neighbors, and start to be about loving them. In the purest sense. And once we love them purely, our ability to serve them will increase, which in turn might just change all of our lives.

I look forward to speaking on Sunday. I love the fact that people were in certain places at the right time to touch my heart in such a way that I was open to coming back to church. I know that there were many who helped me along that path. I am happier, more peaceful, and more grateful now than at any time in my life. I attribute that to my membership in the LDS church, which I hold dear.

If you want the simple answer as to what changed my mind, I would guess it's the same or similar for everyone: an answer to a prayer. I've often contemplated that that is really the only difference between those who know and those who don't. Maybe it's the case, maybe not, but for me it is.

A side note about my husband. He is not a member of the church, which does not matter to me. I have had moments where I've struggled with that, but ultimately it comes down to the fact that I love him, period. He has expressly declined any work being done for his parents, and he has told me up front that when he dies, he doesn't want any work done for him. I totally respect that. And I love him. He's one of the few people I know who truly embodies many of the attributes listed above. And I've even had to tell some ward friends and familyto back off and leave him alone. He's made his choice, and he's entitled to it. After all, pure love is pure, and agency is the greatest gift of all. This little exercise has been a good reminder for me, so if that's what this has been about, then I'm grateful.

So, regarding reactivation, it is my proposal that we all love our neighbors even if they choose not to come back. Are you ready for that? If you are, get on board. There's lots of lovin' out there to be done. Join me.