W14 - Final Post

 Wow - the story of Tom Monaghan (founder of Dominoe's Pizza) blew me away.  As I sat and listened to his story of extreme success and then turned around and gave up the majority of his wealth to help others really touched my heart.  I always had that feeling that if I were to become rich and wealthy that I would totally turn around and help others, but would I really?  That really must have been a huge test of faith for Tom, especially as he gave up all the toys he bought when he did still have all his wealth.  It just goes to show, me at least, that the Spirit can speak to anyone's heart and we can be lead to do the Lord's will as we give up our pride and find ways in which to serve.

 

    I also enjoyed from this week's reading the following from Pres Monson's talk - "Finisher's Wanted" - it reminds me that there is so much to this life than becoming rich and wealthy.

Lest we lull ourselves into thinking that only the gross sins of life cause us to falter, consider the experience of the rich young man who came running to the Savior and asked the question: “Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?”

Jesus answered him: “If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.

“He saith unto him, Which?”

To Jesus’ enumeration of the commandments, the young man replied, “All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?

“Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, … and come and follow me.

“But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.” (Matt. 19:16–18, 20–22.)

He preferred the comforts of earth to the treasures of heaven. He would not purchase the things of eternity by abandoning those of time.

 This helps me to look at my life at this moment and think, what is stopping me from serving with my whole heart now?  Am I making excuses to WAIT until I have more money?  Till I have more time?  Till I feel more worthy?  Till I am not renting a house and until I buy my house again?  Why am I making excuses at all?  When the call comes, accept it and serve with all your might!  Because this is really what life all about - it's not about the riches and power at all.