My first emergency call to Heavenly Father came the day after Halloween. Here’s the context that led up to that blessing:
I have been working hard to be healthy this year. I’ve already lost over 50 lbs. through diet and exercise. My biggest contribution to my health plan was that I only allow myself to partake of sugary foods once a month. I followed my plan faithfully January through September. Then I messed up big in October. It started with one tiny treat. Then another. Then another. Then another. The next thing I knew, I had gained back 3 lbs. and felt like a sluggish, slow, sick roly-poly. I knew I was going to need some heavenly help.
Since my entire family spent October 31st together, I asked my husband and sons to give me a priesthood blessing. It was perfect to be surrounded by my two amazing sons and my truly wonderful husband. The blessing I received promised that I would have angelic assistance in returning to a healthy lifestyle.
This past week it has been easy for me to refrain from eating sugary concoctions. I have felt Heavenly Father’s grace, as I tracked my calories again. It was even easy to eat smaller portions this week.
Eating healthy has been a struggle for me most of my life. Apparently, repentance and God’s grace can also apply to taking care of our bodies. I repented of my October abuse to my body and God’s grace has helped me to feel better and ready to continue in this healthy lifestyle.
That SOS response was truly a gift, but Heavenly Father wasn’t finished helping me yet.
Tuesday was a presidential election. I had volunteered to work at the polls. I had been informed that it would be a looooooong day, and that due to my exuberance, I would be working at the counting machines. I would get to meet EVERY SINGLE voter and make them feel special. I was up for the challenge, although I knew that I would be completely exhausted.
The night before the big day, I prayed that I would have the energy and the positive attitude that I would need to make everyone’s voting experience a good one. For good measure, I also prayed that my smile would stay intact.
Tuesday was insane. The lines were long and never let up. We were also shorthanded at our polling precinct, which meant no breaks at all. It would have been easy to grumble, but I didn’t have any desire to do so. The only complaint I had was that after 14 hours of socializing and smiling and cheering on new voters, my cheeks hurt, and my voice was beginning to show signs of wear. I recognized the Savior’s aid as the voters continued to thank me for my positive and infectious attitude.
Apparently, I wasn’t finished calling my heavenly hotline.
I got the call Tuesday night that the seminary needed a substitute for the very next day. I got home at 11:00 P.M. Read through the seminary lesson and crawled into bed at midnight. I managed to beg Heavenly Father for another favor by helping me with my seminary lesson the next day, since my preparation was next to nil.
Wednesday morning, I was inspired to have the students write notes to my grandson. I showed them his picture and described him to them in detail. I asked them to give him advice, warnings, and encouragement as he navigates this confusing world, he’s growing up in. The teenagers were thrilled to write to him. Their advice was spot on.
One young man warned him that girls were a distraction (except for his grandma).
One young lady reminded him that Heavenly Father loved him and knew him.
Many of the students encouraged him to read his scriptures, make good friends, and attend the temple. “Don’t do drugs” and “Be Good” were also included in the notes.
After we had shared some of the advice and encouragement, I explained to the students how they were just like Moroni. Moroni had never met us. They had never met my red-headed grandchild. Moroni had “seen our day.” They saw Spencer. Moroni shared advice and encouragement. So did my students.
The whole lesson was truly inspirational. The seminary kids seemed encouraged that they could also be a warning voice to Spencer just like Moroni.
The great thing about this lesson was that I was so exhausted that I know the inspiration came from God. Heavenly Father answered my third 9-1-1 call in the space of one week: 1. He forgave me for being unhealthy and helped me get back to where I want to be. 2. He gave me strength and a smile for over fourteen hours of crazy business. And 3. He gave me the inspiration I needed to help bring some of His teenage children to Christ.
Perhaps another name for God could be My First Responder!
At least that’s they way I remember it.
