On a different note, church today was absolutely wonderful. I realized that it was Easter this morning once the lesson was being given on the sacred nature of Christ's atonement and what it means in our lives. It's a common story and even more common a lesson, but something new hit me today- something I can't really explain. A new sense of humility and honor was what I reaped from it.
We listened to part of a talk by my FAVORITE cousin, Elder Holland. I was moved by the thought of Christ being entirely forsaken by not only his apostles and dearest friends, but his Father as well. God himself removed his hand from Christ's life to teach Him the lesson of loneliness. What an empty and despairing place to be for one so elite and righteous! I cannot even imagine. I thought of what that could feel like, for it was clearly a sorrow and pain so above and beyond anything I could possibly experience. The only thing I could possibly compare it to was a sweet little animal, trying so hard to please its master and do everything to gain his favor and suddenly being abandoned in a desert as it watched it watches its beloved owner drive away without looking back. Can you imagine? Christ- the best of us all- was left completely and utterly alone with no assistance from any venue. None. Even He asked His father at that moment, "Father, why hast thou forsaken me?" For Christ to ask a question like that, one who never thought of Himself or His own will, He had to be completely lost and empty.
So when it comes time for us to be in that lonely state, who do you think would know how that was? Who else could ever relate to our own sufferings. Christ understands the depth of our loss and suffering. No one else does. No one else can.
Jesus Christ is truly the best friend I could have. He has saved me in the long-run, but he has also saved me in the many short-run experiences in my life. When I have felt used and harmed, injured and weak, Christ has knelt down next to me in the sand and lifted me into His arms.
I can look back on my life journey and see where I've walked; in some places, I see two sets of footprints. Those times were happy times where I felt safe, calm, and loved, conversing openly with my Savior and learning in a content, balanced fashion.
I see other places where both footprints have stopped, but one set is replaced by handprints. Those were the times where I was spent; my sorrows and trials overcame me to the point of falling to my lowest place.
Then suddenly, only one set of footprints continues. At the time when those footprints were formed, I thought I was alone and without guidance. I felt like the World was cruel and had taken everything from me. But as I look back at those memorable impressions in the sand, I realize that the prints are not my own, but those of the Savior. But where was I? Had he left behind when I fell? If so, I couldn't be looking backwards, could I? No- at those times, my Jesus had carried me until I could again stand on my own.
What a wonderful blessing! The atonement has saved us all from what we deserve. Instead, the Lord gives us a chance to get the best in life and the eternities. Happy Easter everyone!!! Get past the commercial meaning of this holiday and remember what a sweet future that we each have thanks to our brother and friend.
(This song by Leona Lewis is seriously one of my favorites, and it always reminds me of Christ and the way he walks with us all :) )
(This song by Leona Lewis is seriously one of my favorites, and it always reminds me of Christ and the way he walks with us all :) )
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