Mormon Monday: Taking Time for the One

On Sunday, Grig and I watched a video about the life of President Thomas S. Monson, the current prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints. Here's a link if you're interested as well:

It was an interesting video, but one thing stuck out more than anything else to me. Time and time again, President Monson would be in a meeting and receive inspiration to leave the meeting and go help someone.

There was one story in particular that caught my attention. A little girl was dying of cancer, and she and her parents felt like she needed to have a blessing from an apostle. After prayerful consideration, they decided to travel to Salt Lake and have the then Elder Monson give their daughter a blessing.

However, her condition worsened and they were unable to make the journey. Instead, Elder Monson was assigned to come to their area to speak to the saints there. This girl and her parents were sure that the Lord had sent Elder Monson to their region so that their daughter could receive the blessing she desired. Elder Monson was approached about going to visit the girl over 80 miles away, but after looking at his schedule, he felt he simply didn't have time. He had too many meetings.

However, as he sat in one of those meetings, these words came strongly into his mind. "Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God." (Mark 10:14)

He quickly reorganized his schedule so that he could be at that home the next day.

The girl passed away soon after, but he talked about how strong the spirit was in that home, and what an incredible experience it was.

This story made me think. How often do we get carried away in the duties of our churches (whatever church we may belong to) and overlook a need right in front of us because we are trying to fulfill our obligations. 

This story reminded me that the church was put on the earth to bring all of us to Christ and to come to know and love our brothers and sisters. The individuals should always come before the church. The church was made for the individuals, not the other way around. If we are neglecting our brothers and sisters because we are too busy with our church callings, then even if we are keeping all the other commandments we are not doing the Lord's will. We need to be careful that we don't get so caught up in "being righteous" that we forget to open our eyes and listen for the Spirit to guide us. 

The Lord always took his time to see to the needs of individuals.

We need to do the same. 

It's something I'm determined to work on as well.