(Photograph by Franco Advincula)
When I was a young girl, my mom gave me a gold necklace with a butterfly pendant and a charmed bracelet that gorgeously dangled around my wrist. I was fascinated with their colorful design and liked them so much I wanted to wear them everywhere everyday. My mom warned me not to wear them in school for she said I might lose them during playtime, but I didn’t listen. A few days after she issued that warning, I lost the necklace.
Needless to say, I was in big trouble when she found out. Not only did I get reprimanded, but she also took back the bracelet and told me that I wasn’t ready for such a responsibility yet. My young heart broke, but I was taught a lesson that I carried with me throughout my life—sometimes when what we want conflicts with what is right, it is always in our best interest to stick with what is right and put our personal desires aside. It’s not the easiest thing to do, but it always is the best.
As an adult I’ve learned that we are granted blessings based on our obedience to certain commandments that Heavenly Father previously provided. There are times when our wants are inconsistent with the laws that were given, but if we choose to obey and do what is right we would always be blessed.
I haven’t mastered this principle yet. Time and again the defiant little girl in me surfaces. But when my wants conflict with what is right, I am grateful to be reminded of this incident and the sacred trust given by our loving Father in heaven to keep me from going too far astray.
YOu know you are always right and I am always reminded of things in the past , but we also have to think that we have always short comings especially , when we were kids , I have a lot of them , and I don’t remember some of them now , but the lesson I learned is always in my heart , that , helped me grow up a better person , so thank you again for it served as a refresher course for me .
Thanks for your comment, Mommy Marci.
Love you!
Hi Cherry,
I really have a good feeling last Sunday about 2:00 am when I released from NAIA Customs ten units of rubber life boats and have it delivered right away to Pangasinan to rescue and bring relief goods to the flood victims. I will never be tired of doing humanitarian service although its part of my job.
Yes, we cannot handle something if we are not ready to assume the responsibility. One is trained, coached and being prepared first before assuming the task. Just like our Prophet Joseph Smith who was yet to be taught by Moroni before getting ready to receive the golden plates. There are times that we insist to get our desires even to the extent of transgessing the laws. This is not the kind of attitude to display worthy of chastisement to the eyes of the beholden. Better to set aside our personal desires and do what is right that all things be alright.
We are entrusted by our Gracious Heavenly Father with those precious gifts at the right time and place after being converted. Let it stay with us for long through our unwaivering obedience to His commands and be entitled to His abundant blessings.
Regards,
Dan
Thanks Bro. Mendoza. As the scriptures say, obedience is better than sacrifice.
hi ate cherry. I like your columns (haha kasi para kang columnist sa isang magazine). anyway, I heard na binaha kayo. I dreamt nga that I was able to talk to you. We too got affected. Lumubog yung house namin and we had to evacuate to the Church for a time. I have no cellphone right now and sira yung laptop namin so I am not able to communicate with Jessica. I hope your all fine and please sned my regards to Jessica and Justin. Always take care. I love you and I miss all of you.
Thanks, Rona. I hope you and your family are fine now. Love and miss you too!