In Sunday School we are in 3 Nephi while Christ is visiting the Nephites. I have been thinking for some time about a conversation that we had a while ago among my family concerning God and Christ and their ability to know all things past, present, and future. This scripture (3 Nephi 17:4-6) was used in the conversation to illustrate a point that this person did not fully understand how Christ can know everything and yet His "bowels were filled with compassion towards" them and He tarried longer with them. If Christ knows all, then why tell the Nephites He must leave only to stay longer? It seemed to not make sense to this person.
As I was sitting in class I was reminded of this discussion and couldn't get it out of my head. I want to share with you what I wrote down in my notebook about my feelings/thoughts on the topic: "Christ is showing His mercy and love to the people of Nephi by tarrying longer with them. It reminds me of earlier this year when I went to visit Rach and Mark for a week. This is the conversation between Shelly and me when I first got there -
Me: Shelly, I've come to visit for a week! Aren't you excited?
Shelly: (thinks for a second) How about 2?
I laughed and hugged her for saying that. At the end of my week, I decided to stay for a second one. Shelly asked me near the end of my stay if the reason I stayed longer was because of her. I thought for a minute and then I told her yes. There were many reasons why I decided to "tarry longer", but I wanted Shelly to know how much I love her, so I told her I did it for her. Shelly asking me to stay longer put the idea in my mind and it showed to me how much she loves me. It is one of my favorite memories and one I shall always cherish."
The second insight I had today relates to my wonderfully amazing Mom. In 3rd hour we somehow got to the topic of family and things we have learned from our parents. I, of course, thought of Mom's #1 rule: No Fun Allowed! and #2 rule: You can go swimming, but you can't get wet. Looking back on growing up, it's funny to realize how much that #1 rule had an effect on my life. Mom obviously was never serious when she told us her rule. She wanted me to live life full of fun and laughter. And I have. Rarely do I not find a way to make something that is boring/tedious into something fun. I love laughing. There is nothing more joyful and therapeutic than laughter. I am, oh, so grateful for Mom. For teaching me what life should be like. For showing me that even though I "have to" do something doesn't mean I shouldn't act as though I "get to" do it.
