"Why Weepest Thou?"

For a long time Easter provoked thoughts of warm Spring weather, coloring hard boiled eggs, lots of chocolate, Peeps shaped like bunnies or chicks, and an Easter egg hunt.  Of course I knew that Easter is a time to reflect on the life of the Savior, a time to celebrate His Atonement and Resurrection.

It's been an interesting process because as I've come to learn and understand more about my Savior Jesus Christ, and as I've had an increasing need to apply His Atonement in my life, Easter has become far more meaningful and significant to me.  Easter now evokes images of a garden, a cross, and an empty tomb in my mind.

As I have had experiences with the power of the Atonement, and have seen that power in the lives of others, I have learned that whether we have sinned, or lost a loved one, or been hurt deeply, or felt abandoned, or all of the above, I have realized that every single tear we shed will be wiped away by our Savior.  He took upon Himself all of our pains and our afflictions so that He could succor and care for each one of us. (see Alma 7:11-12)

Twice while Mary Magdalene was at the Garden tomb she was asked, "Why weepest thou?" (see John 20:13-17).  She then saw the risen Lord.  I imagine that after that singular experience she gained a greater insight into something the prophet Isaiah said: "He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces." (Isaiah 25:8)

The Savior was once called "the consolation of Israel."  He is our source of comfort and relief.  Christ told us, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (Luke 14:27)

As we go through our personal trials and challenges, we can each ask ourselves, "Why weepest thou?" and find comfort and peace in the knowledge that the Savior conquered death and sin.  He will wipe away all our tears.

Living After the Manner of Happiness: Service

King Benjamin in the Book of Mormon taught, "When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God." (Mosiah 2:17)  The Savior said it this way: "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." (Matthew 25:40)

I have seen in my life that I am the happiest when I am serving other people.  Whether it is making them cookies, raking their yard, or just lending a listening ear, I find immense happiness in giving of my time and my love to others.  As we serve others the Lord pours out His Spirit upon us because He is grateful for the love and attention we are giving to His children.

Elder M. Russell Ballard, an apostle of Jesus Christ, posed this thought-provoking question: "What would be the cumulative effect of millions of small, compassionate acts performed daily by us because of our heartfelt Christian love for others? Over time this would have a transformative effect upon all of our Heavenly Father’s children through the extension of His love to them through us. ... There is power in our love for God and for His children, and when that love is tangibly manifest in millions of acts of Christian kindness, it will sweeten and nourish the world with the life-sustaining nectar of faith, hope, and charity."

 

How amazing is that?!  We could change the world as we each give meaningful, compassionate service to those around us.  And it will change OUR world because we will experience the peace, joy, and happiness that comes from selflessly serving others.

 

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf shared this: "A story is told that during the bombing of a city in World War II, a large statue of Jesus Christ was severely damaged. When the townspeople found the statue among the rubble, they mourned because it had been a beloved symbol of their faith and of God’s presence in their lives.  Experts were able to repair most of the statue, but its hands had been damaged so severely that they could not be restored. Some suggested that they hire a sculptor to make new hands, but others wanted to leave it as it was—a permanent reminder of the tragedy of war. Ultimately, the statue remained without hands. However, the people of the city added on the base of the statue of Jesus Christ  a sign with these words: 'You are my hands.'” 

 

 

President Uchtdorf later said, "Christ knows how to minister to others perfectly. When the Savior stretches out His hands, those He touches are uplifted and become greater, stronger, and better people as a result.  If we are His hands, should we not do the same? ...Let us commit to become His hands, that others through us may feel His loving embrace." 

 

As we serve others we are living after the manner of happiness.  We are living as Christ lived.  What will you do to serve one of our Heavenly Father's children today?

Living After the Manner of Happiness: Prayer

In the Book of Mormon there's a beautiful account of the Savior Jesus Christ visiting the people of the ancient Americas.  During his visit, the Lord teaches, heals, and prays for the people.  The account says, "And no one can conceive of the joy which filled our souls at the time we heard him pray for us unto the Father." (3 Nephi 17:17)

I've found that there is a lot of joy that comes to us as we pray specifically for others, and as we also hear others pray for us.

Growing up, my parents were always really good at having a family prayer every morning and night.  And I remember that sometimes when my mom prayed, she would individually pray for each one of her children and pray specifically for what they needed at that time.  Whenever I would realize what she was doing, I would get excited and anxiously wait to hear what she was going to pray for for me. 

My mom's example of specific prayers really influenced me.  One day when I was in high school, I can remember telling myself that I was going to pray specifically for my parents and each one of my siblings, just like my mom did.  And I had a really powerful experience as I considered carefully the needs of my family and then prayed for each one of them. 

Elder David A. Bednar taught, "Prayer becomes more meaningful as we pray for others with real intent and a sincere heart."  I know that we will feel peace and happiness as we turn to our Father in Heaven in humble prayer.  And we can be more like the Savior as we turn outward and pray for the welfare of those around us.
 

Living After the Manner of Happiness: Repentance

The Book of Mormon prophet Alma taught his son Corianton that "wickedness never was happiness."  If we are all striving to live after the manner of happiness, wickedness clearly is not the answer.  It is through a life of righteous living that true peace, joy, and happiness are experienced.

But what about those times when we sin and make mistakes?  Is all hope for happiness lost?  Not at all. 

Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ we can all repent and receive forgiveness of our sins.  For a long time I always thought of repentance as a scary thing because I thought I would just be punished or rebuked or struck down with a bolt of lightning because I had done something bad.  But as I have come to learn and understand more about repentance I have experienced the peace and happiness available to us as we put our lives back in harmony with God.

Elder D. Todd Christofferson said, "Without repentance, there is no real progress or improvement in life. Pretending there is no sin does not lessen its burden and pain. Suffering for sin does not by itself change anything for the better. Only repentance leads to the sunlit uplands of a better life. And, of course, only through repentance do we gain access to the atoning grace of Jesus Christ and salvation. Repentance is a divine gift, and there should be a smile on our faces when we speak of it. It points us to freedom, confidence, and peace. Rather than interrupting the celebration, the gift of repentance is the cause for true celebration."

I know for myself that repentance can change lives.  My view of God, others, and myself have changed as I have repented and changed those thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors that were not in harmony with God's will.  I have experienced happiness as I have utilized the divine gift of repentance throught the Atonement of Jesus Christ.  And I have learned that our Savior wants us to come to Him and be made whole. 

"The Lord your Redeemer suffered death in the flesh; wherefore he suffered the pain of all men, that all men might repent and come unto him.  And he hath risen again from the dead, that he might bring all men unto him, on conditions of repentance.  And how great is his joy in the sould that repenteth!"  (D&C 18:11-13)