Sisters and Brothers—
Like many of you, I watched President Russell M. Nelson’s message of hope and healing yesterday and felt the calming and unifying influence of the Holy Ghost as the mouthpiece of the Lord gave words of comfort and counsel. If you didn’t see it, you can watch the 12-minute message below.
Among other things, President Nelson reminded us of the positive personal restoration that comes from gratitude. Our ward has been hearing sacrament talks on gratitude all month and this week is Thanksgiving — a traditional period of expressing love of others and appreciation for God’s blessings.
With this backdrop, I want to share three things for which I am grateful.
First, I am grateful for the Savior, Jesus Christ. He is the Light of the world and His grace is all-reaching and eternal. There is not heart He can’t heal, no low He can’t lift and no soil He can’t sanitize.
“And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.
“And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.
“Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.”
Alma 7:11-13
I know His healing extends beyond forgiveness of sins. He stands with the lonely, He defends the ridiculed, He walks on the path of life with each of and is the perfect companion to guide us through the valleys, views and vistas the journey brings.
Truly allowing ourselves to walk with Christ inevitably helps us learn from Him and to be more like Him. It enables us to provide the same grace He shows to ourselves and to those around us, which enriches lives and allows us to better walk the path of life together.
Speaking of walking life together, I am grateful for neighbors who — over the 15 years my family has lived here — have become more like family. I appreciate the teaching and testimony my family members have heard from neighbors who share their beliefs and aren’t shy about sharing it. I appreciate the chance I’ve had to serve with so many of you in a number of opportunities within the church and in our community.
I always tell my children that one of the purposes of being sent to earth in families is the family unit offers us a safe, secure place to practice being a human being. We make mistakes, we offend, we lose our cool, we let our frustrations get the best of us. In families, we also develop the ability to forgive, to love unconditionally and to find happiness in trial.
As a ward family, I hope that our ward members provide the same level of learning, love and leeway with each other as we show for our immediate family members. Each of us are dealing with concerns, challenges and insecurities others do not know anything about. As each of us remember this — and act accordingly — our ward members will each be able to reach their full potential and become better disciples of Christ.
The third thing I want to share is my gratitude for a living prophet. When I hear the words of President Nelson, I know he’s speaking words of God. I know that as we follow his counsel, we will find a greater level of happiness, joy and fulfillment in this life. We will be able to more effectively avoid the pitfalls of life and overcome the unavoidable ones.
As “social influencers” scream opinions from the metaphorical new-media “bully pulpit,” President Nelson’s calm, seasoned and measured counsel rings as inspired advice that unifies and dignifies those around us.
I hope that each of us will follow the prophet’s counsel and enhance our lives and the holiday season by having an attitude of gratitude and a dedication to service to others.
As we enjoy our Sabbath day today, I invite families whose last names begin with Q through Z to attend sacrament meeting in person at the church. For those watching sacrament from home, I’m authorizing another week of at-home sacrament administration by worthy priesthood holders of the appropriate office. As always, please let me know if you have any questions.
The link to the sacrament broadcast is http://mywebcast.churchofjesuschrist.org/Events/spanishforkutahriverstake
For the second hour classes, it will be Relief Society/young women’s classes at 1 p.m. Elders quorum/young men’s classes will be at 1:30.
The Temple and Priesthood Preview meeting originally scheduled for in-person at the chapel is being moved to a Zoom meeting on Sunday at 6 p.m. A link to the meeting will be sent to all affected and invited families.
Tithing settlement meetings are canceled for today.
I hope you all have a wonderful day and find something to be grateful for.
I’m grateful for all of you.
Bishop Bennett