My dad standing outside Joseph Smith’s sacred grove in Palmyra, New York

The Easter of 2018 was different than any other.  It was a defining moment for me.  Not because of chocolate bunnies or tasty ham.  Something happened on that day that was remarkable.  It was an invitation given by President Russell M. Nelson in his first talk as president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.   This is what He said:

“Find a quiet place where you can regularly go. Humble yourself before God. Pour out your heart to your Heavenly Father. Turn to Him for answers and for comfort.

Pray in the name of Jesus Christ about your concerns, your fears, your weaknesses—yes, the very longings of your heart. And then listen! Write the thoughts that come to your mind. Record your feelings and follow through with actions that you are prompted to take. As you repeat this process day after day, month after month, year after year, you will “grow into the principle of revelation.”

Prayer had not been a big deal to me before that.  I said my prayers. Hopped into bed.  Done. Check.  But this talk was transformational because it changed my prayers from being transactional to being relational.

I picked my sewing room as my go-to place – sometimes it doesn’t work if this room gets too messy.  I go there and I just pray.  I talk to God.  Instead of praying like I am ordering groceries I pray like I am talking to my Dad.  My Dad is a storehouse of wisdom.  He has so much good advice because he has experienced so much.

But if my Dad knows a lot, think about how much God knows!  If my Dad loves me, think how much more God loves me!  If my Dad gives good advice, think how much better it is to get God’s advice!

I love this scripture:  

“Believe in God⁠; believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom⁠, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend.” (Mosiah 4:9)

So I started asking God all kinds of questions.  And as I listened I got answers!  It is miraculous!  God has time for me!  And He wants to help me!

Now often when I leave my sacred space I have a list of items to do for the day.  This list is God’s list.  To help me have a better day.  To give me direction on my problems.  To help His other children.

I don’t look at God any more as unreachable.  As too far to care.  God is my Father.  And I love to spend time with Him.  Enough said.