A jar of pickles…

Today I had the privilege and opportunity to teach Relief Society. It has been such a long time since I have even been in Relief Society and thought of teaching freaked me out. I am so used to teaching young women and leaders but Relief Society sisters…SCARY!! Well, let me just say something…I LOVED IT!!! I had so much fun. It was an incredible experience. I love how when you are prepared to the best of your ability, the Spirit makes up the difference and carries you along. I felt that I was walking hand in hand with the Spirit. It was incredible. One part of the lesson, I recounted Elder Holland’s talk, The Laborers in the Vineyard and focused on the following quote:

Brothers and sisters, there are going to be times in our lives when someone else gets an unexpected blessing or receives some special recognition. May I plead with us not to be hurt—and certainly not to feel envious—when good fortune comes to another person? We are not diminished when someone else is added upon. We are not in a race against each other to see who is the wealthiest or the most talented or the most beautiful or even the most blessed. The race we are really in is the race against sin, and surely envy is one of the most universal of those.
Furthermore, envy is a mistake that just keeps on giving. Obviously we suffer a little when some misfortune befalls us, but envy requires us to suffer all good fortune that befalls everyone we know! What a bright prospect that is—downing another quart of pickle juice every time anyone around you has a happy moment! To say nothing of the chagrin in the end, when we find that God really is both just and merciful, giving to all who stand with Him “that entire he hath,” as the scripture says. So lesson number one from the Lord’s vineyard: coveting, pouting, or tearing others down does not elevate your standing, nor does demeaning someone else improve your self-image. So be kind, and be grateful that God is kind. It is a happy way to live.

I brought a quart of pickle juice and asked if anyone would like to partake of it. It was a powerful object lesson. I am so grateful for the Spirit being so strong and pricking the hearts of so many sisters who shared so many wonderful comments. It was awesome. There weren’t any silent moments, hands were being raised and powerful comments were being shared. I loved it. In fact, when I looked at the clock, we were out of time. I said out loud (yes, I cannot believe that I did say it out loud) “Seriously, we are out of time…I am having so much fun!” It was awesome.

I am so grateful for this opportunity. For the past little while, I have felt somewhat lost. Lost in thoughts and definitely lost in many other aspects in my life but today…today, I feel blessed. Today, I am grateful for a jar of pickles that helped bring happiness to my heart. What a great day!!

~Michelle