This Sunday's lesson was on two talks from the Europe Women's Conference:
Living the Gospel Joyfully, by Dieter F. Uchtdorf, and
Sharing Your Light, by Sister Neill F. Marriott of the General Young Women's Presidency. The lesson was taught by Sister Adele Ewing.
Opening Hymn: "I am a Child of God"
Closing Hymn: "As Sisters in Zion"
Adele opened the lesson by reminding everyone of the Europe Area Sisters' Meeting broadcast, but lamenting that the video is no longer online. (Unfortunately, this means there will be no links to the text of the talks for you to read! Apologies.) She also mentioned the official announcement that was made about the General Women's Broadcast being the first session of General Conference.
The lesson focused on the two words "light" and "joyfully". Many of the sisters in the ward have gone through rough times this years, and Adele acknowledged how difficult it can be sometimes to live the Gospel joyfully. But, difficult though it may feel, we must remember to tend to our own needs in order to help others. Sister Ewing quoted President Uchtdorf saying, "We must first glow ourselves in order to share our light within our circle of influence." Reference was made to Martin Corbishley's talk the other week in Sacrament meeting in which he used the example of oxygen masks on a plane: safety instructions tell us to put our own mask on first, even before helping our children secure
their masks. It may feel selfish to do this, but we cannot give to others what we do not have ourselves.
The sisters then made a list of the things in their lives that can either bring joy, or bring stress.
Joyful Things:
- beautiful surroundings
- music
- family
- helping others
- fitness
- laughter
- friends
- hugs
- peaceful time alone
Stressful Things
- family
- financial worries
- tiredness/fatigue
- busyness
- communication barriers
- bad weather
- rudeness
- loss
A story from General Conference was shared again: that of a young mother, sick with chicken pox, whose children soon caught illness as well. Her visiting teachers came to the door and offered specific service for her needs. They helped tidy the house and made a meal for the children. They noticed their sister's needs and used their talents to help her. The quote was given from the young mother in the story, who said, "I know that I am not just a check on someone else's to-do list." The sisters were then admonished to consider how they shape the lives of those within their circle of influence for the better.
Elisabet Donaghue related this to our own ward's visiting teaching, reminding sisters not to down-play the genuine and heartfelt service they give to one another. Often, she said, the excuse is given, "Well, we babysat, or we brought round a meal, but we didn't visit." Just because our contacts don't fit the mold of a visiting teaching visit with a lesson and prayers, that does not mean that we have not rendered service to our sisters.
The final question for reflection in the lesson was to ask, "how do we make discipleship a joy?"
- prepare in advance
- remember how your outlook and attitude affect others
- be aware of your own needs & those of your family. Don't be afraid to take a break to give quality care and rest.
