The upside of three hours

I'm really not a fan of going to church for three hours straight. Good thing there are some perks to being Mormon, like playgroups and the whole getting to be married to your spouse FOREVER thing (Hurray!). And I have to admit there is at least one advantage to lengthy church: Three hours is a long time for God to speak to your soul, and that is a good thing.

Today the Spirit spoke to my spirit, and my heart was filled with gratitude. Here are some of the things I felt grateful for:

1. The opportunity I had to serve a full time mission in the Dominican Republic. Being a missionary is an awesome experience! And one that allowed me to build a firm foundation of faith for the rest of my life.
2. The love and support and help and good hugs I get from my brother Daniel. It's kinda weird having my baby brother take care of me...but how grateful I am for it.
3. That Mary marched into her nursery class like she owned the place.
4. The (literally) hundreds of ordinances Greg and I were able to participate in at the Washington D.C. temple while we lived in Delaware. I am learning that we will receive blessings for the rest of our lives because of the choice we made to attend the temple frequently during that (childless) time in our lives.
5. That David did not say "poopy Jesus" during the talk he gave in Primary, despite the fact that every time we practiced he said "poopy Jesus." (Had he actually said it today, not only would he have had the longest time out of his life, but shame would have driven us into hiding...probably in one of those missile silos they have in North Dakota.) By the way, David did a great job and had an irresistible smile on his face the whole time.
6. Good cheer. When the Lord said, "Be of good cheer," He did not exactly mean to have a smile plastered on your face. Read the three accounts President Monson shared last April. They are not about outward appearances of happiness. (No one could smile through the trials these people faced.) They are about the profound joy and eternal perspective that comes from understanding the gospel of Jesus Christ. Good cheer is the peace and strength that comes from trusting in and embracing the Savior's Atonement.

Maybe I went to church with a soft heart because I didn't have to put on David's shoes and socks myself this morning (thanks, Dad) or because I didn't have to close the dirty garage door with my bare hands (thank, Mom). Or maybe it was the sleep deprivation. Or yesterday's session with my new therapist. Or maybe it was because I know I get to fall into my husband's arms at 6:14 pm today. Whatever the reason, I am grateful I went to church today with an open heart, and I am grateful that God had three hours to fill it.