Something I've been thinking about is that, as I've grown and matured, just like the olive tree, I'm sending out these little "shoots" to grow up around my trunk (my children). How am I partnering with the Lord of the vineyard to be the "servant" to my children and help nourish them individually, diligently and at different levels? This is something I constantly battle with amidst the "busyness" of everyday life. At the same time, in looking back on my prayer journal, I have seen the most profound answers to prayer have come as I have written down my prayers about my children, and have committed more consciously to parenting with Christ's help. It is truly humbling......
Please respond and let us all know what you learned about Jacob Chapter 5. It is in the conversation that we can add a deeper dimension of insight as we seek to "unfold the mystery" of the Olive Tree together.
(note: For all "new bloggers" out there, to respond or to read everyone's comments, just click on the green "comments" link below this line!)
1 comments:
I love this chapter. At a zone conference on my mission, my mission president took this chapter verse by verse and discussed it, explained it, applied it to the missionary work we were doing there. This lesson has reminded me to go back to those notes and relearn what he taught us then.
I think this chapter can give us hope when we can't see a positive end or outcome from where we stand now. Jacob poses the question in chapter 4 about how the Jews could ever come to build upon the foundation of Christ. At a glance, that seems like it could never be possible. Then the parable explains how the Lord and the servants tried so many different things, etc. In the end, what seemed impossible at the beginning was achieved.
That helps me in my life. Sometimes when I think I will never succeed in meeting a goal, overcoming an obstacle, getting through something, etc., it gives me hope to remember that I can't necessarily see the end from where I'm currently standing. The Lord can, however, and as I struggle along He at least can see that I'm making progress. It reminds me of the scripture in the D&C about how all these trials and challenged shall be for our good and shall give us experience. It helps to trust Him and believe that He is right on this point!
Post a Comment