My Name is Jona(h)s

After her session working at the temple, Amy briefly mentioned to me what a privilege and responsibility it is to use the priesthood. It really is amazing the amount of trust that Lord places in us to bear his priesthood and carry out his work. I was thinking about this point last Sunday while in elders quorum, and then during Sunday school.

I came into church that morning not feeling on top of my game, spiritually. In the week prior I had been feeling like I had been coming up short in a number of different areas, and I was hopeful for something that could inspire a turnaround, to where I could just start over, and also that I could feel like I could have another shot at redeeming myself for the ways I had been lacking previously. What really amazed me was that during our priesthood meeting, I really felt that; I was conducting, and I felt energized and enthused in a way that I hadn't been feeling for a little while. We had a number of new elders in the quorum, and we had an awesome lesson taught to us by one of the guys who normally teaches institute when school is in session. I was so grateful to be conducting because it allowed for me to have an opportunity to speak to the elders and bear my testimony while feeling the burst of energy that I had during the meeting.

Sunday school was just as enlightening. Something that I really appreciate about the Old Testament is just how flawed all the people are throughout that book, and that's especially true in the case of Jonah. What I really appreciate about this story is how forthright it is in telling his story, but I appreciate even more how the Lord gives the opportunity to act in his name even when we are reluctant to do so. He works through us despite the many foibles and weaknesses that we have, and in that process, we come to be molded and sharpened into the people that he needs us to be.

I am all too aware of my own shortcomings. I feel like so often I can look at my life and the opportunities and responsibilities that have been entrusted to me, and think to myself that I am either undeserving or underqualified in being able to meet those opportunities and needs, but I'm so grateful that Heavenly Father loves me and will work through me in spite of how many reasons I give him to not do so. It's a great thing to be a part of his gospel.