Prosperity

I am generally very genuinely content with my life.  I have such a great life.  Truly it is great!

Last night, however, I was feeling a tad down.  Our home is basic.  We have enough for all the essentials, but not anything extra.  I was feeling a little inferior to others (comparison!  Root of all evil!).  I was feeling that I was inadequate at taking care of my home and self in the desired ways.  It always comes down to two things:  time and money.  You either have one, the other, or neither, but I think it is rare to have both.

As I did my Book of Mormon scripture study this morning, however, I read some quotes from President James E. Faust, from the October 1998 General Conference:

"President Heber J. Grant put it in context when he said: “Prosperity comes to those who observe the law of tithing. When I say prosperity I am not thinking of it in terms of dollars and cents alone. … What I count as real prosperity … is the growth in a knowledge of God, and in a testimony, and in the power to live the gospel and to inspire our families to do the same. That is prosperity of the truest kind.” 

 

Sister Yaeko Seki experienced part of this precious promise. She writes:

“My family and I were spending a day at the Japan Alps National Park . … I was pregnant with our fourth child and was feeling rather tired, so I lay down under the trees. … I began thinking about our financial problems. My heart became overwhelmed, and I burst into tears. ‘Lord, we are full-tithe payers. We have sacrificed so much. When will the windows of heaven open unto us and our burdens be lightened?’

“I prayed with all my heart. Then I turned to watch my husband and children playing and laughing together. … Suddenly, the Spirit testified to me that my blessings were abundant and that my family was the greatest blessing Heavenly Father could give me.” ^"

 I felt so humbled.  I am indeed prosperous.  I don't have a fancy home.  I don't have a ton of clothes.  I don't have the ability to purchase whatever I desire.  I don't have a perfectly tidy and neat home.  I don't have it all together.  I just keep plodding along day by day.  We always have enough.  We are so blessed that we have food, a home, the ability to see A frequently, and many luxuries of life as well. 

Indeed, I am soooooooooo prosperous.  Look at the above picture. I have a wonderful family.  I am prosperous.  I am sitting here, homemade baby food simmering on the stove, dinner in the Crock-Pot, windows open, V playing next to me, crayons and papers from J covering the window seat, K and C's report cards on my desk, laundry in both the washer and dryer, etc..  Look at how prosperous I am!!!!  I am so blessed and I feel so humbled that the Lord would bless me with this reassurance IMMEDIATELY after my own weak pondering last night.  God is good.  I am blessed.  I am prosperous.