Sunday I was teaching the 16-17 year-old young women about following the example of Jesus. At one point we listed many of the attributes of Jesus and then we talked about specific ways at church, home, and school that we could follow His example. Our list of attributes included such things as a good brother, humble, patient, a good listener, loving, charitable.
I also read this quote:
If we want to have the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, we must find time to slow down, ponder, pray, and live so we are worthy to receive and act upon His promptings.
Elder Quentin L. Cook, “We Follow Jesus Christ,” April 2011 General Conference
And we talked about if Jesus ever did just that. Did He ever slow down and take time to ponder and pray? Often. He started his ministry by withdrawing for 40 days to the wilderness to prepare and be strengthened for what was to come (Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 1:12-13; Luke 4:1-13). He went to private places by ship (Matthew 14:13; Mark 6:32) and into the mountains (Matthew 14:23; Mark 6:46). He withdrew a ways and prayed before his crucifixion (Matthew 26:36-46; Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22: 39-46, John 18:1-2).
Which brought us back to our list of attributes. Nobody ever lists “stressed” or “frantic” or “frazzled” or “flustered” when they list the attributes of Christ. He certainly felt tired, sorrow, thirst, and everything else, but he was never stressed.
As our lesson ended I invited each of them to think of one way this week that they could do better at following the example of Christ. This week I am going to take more time to slow down, ponder, and pray. I’m going to work on developing the attribute of “not stressed” in my life.
For Christmas I actually got two yoga mats. I think that means the world is telling me I need to be more calm and flexible in my life. I’m going to listen. I’m going to make time to sit quietly, to calm my thoughts and listen to my heart. Then I will be in a better place to know how I can follow the example of Jesus in other areas of my life.
I am an educator and PhD. I quilt, belly dance, run, read, and try to grow things. I am a Mormon. I am infertile. I am a daughter, sister, aunt, grand-daughter, friend, wife, and mom.
Brett L. Dennis
Mama g
Giggles
AmandaStretch
I needed that message. This past week was very stressful for me.
You and I have different views on the purpose of a yoga mat. :brett:
I’ve been stressed, frantic, frazzled and flustered for months now.
It’s been over a week since I posted this and guess what? I’m still stressed, Frantic, and FRAZZLED. =]
I could definitely use some of this in my life too. And do more yoga.
Just a quick note, while you can pause and be still while doing yoga in a room with 5 16-17 year-old girls, it’s really hard to be quiet in such a situation. But that is also a situation where owning three yoga mats definitely comes in handy. Talk about giggle fest!