It's very late, I'm freezing (heating went off two hours ago) but I'm determined to blog!
The reason I've left it so late is that I've been in London for most of the day for a meeting. London is a spectacular city, and I really enjoy going there. The meeting went well too; no pay rise, but I do get to redesign our funding leaflet.
Anyway, enough work stuff. The only thing that really bothers me about London is just how busy it always is. There are still just so many people that I often end up wondering how Heavenly Father can possibly know us and love us all individually. Last time I went to a work meeting (at Broadway, near Buckingham Palace and New Scotland Yard) I was quite subdued on the way home, finding myself on the packed commuter train (standing room only) feeling depressed that there are so many millions of people just in this one city, and so few of them know anything at all about the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. In fact, I told myself, I bet I'm the only member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on this train. And then I got off at Rayleigh Station, at the same time as a member of our Bishopric got out of the next carriage.
But again today I was struck by the sheer swarms of people on the Tube and milling around in the streets, and again found myself wondering how He can really find time for each of us, and how the Church can ever be an influence for good in a place such as this when fewer than half a percent of the population are members, and only a third of those are active. Again, as I settled onto my train at Fenchurch Street Station for the journey home, I felt as though I were the only Latter-day Saint for miles around and I was fighting a losing battle.
Then I heard an American accent. Not that uncommon in London, but this was a train bound for Southend, and we don't get many foreign tourists. So I looked across to the next seat, and there sat two young Elders who, it transpired, were returning from a meeting at the mission home in Hyde Park, and were assigned to the next Ward along. We had a lovely chat, and then, feeling warm and comforted, I left them to get on with making calls on their mobile phone as they made appointment after appointment after appointment. They have two baptisms on Sunday.
There may be over six billion of Heavenly Father's children on the Earth, but He knows us all, and He knows our needs, and even when those of us who know were are His children are in the minority, we need not lose heart because He is on our side.
P.S. Both these missionaries were from Utah, but I can't remember their names! So if you are reading this out there in Zion and know of families with sons serving in the England London Mission, specifically Basildon Ward in Romford Stake, let them know that their sons are wonderful, and are doing amazing work.
4 comments:
Anna, I love your blogs. This one appealed to me greatly as you captured some of my feelings when I find myself feeling lost in an immense crowd.
A wonderful post, Anna. =)Years ago, my youngest sister was pondering how our Father in heaven can keep track of all of us. She had quite an analogy come to mind later that day. The thought surfaced that we are each made up of numerous body parts. And when one of those body parts is hurting, we are very aware of it because it is part of who we are.
The same is true of our divine nature. We are all spirit children of God---part of Him. He is extremely aware of us at all times, but especially when we need Him most.
Anna, what a beautiful post. When my husband and I were in Hong Kong, I found myself thinking the very same thing. How can Heavenly Father be aware of all His children? Then a miracle occures which confirms His interest in our lives and I stop and smile at His over-arching pressence. Thank you for bringing that wonder to my mind again.
Anna, thank you for these beautiful insights.
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