—Denine Heyrend, Highland 15th Ward
When I return to my home ward to attend church with my Mom, it is so enjoyable to see neighbors from my childhood. But I’m especially delighted when I see a particular childhood friend. My joy is overflowing because of the story of why she is there.
When I was a Primary child, this particular friend lived in a home where her family were either not members or were inactive. We got in the habit of taking her with us to Primary. She loved it! She was a happy, optimistic child and delighted in attending with us. When she turned 8, she chose to be baptized. She continued attending church, although her family did not, while I was growing up.
I left for college, got married and had children and we didn’t stay in touch. Years later, when I came to my childhood ward to visit my Mom, I was so delighted to see that she was still faithfully attending. I felt as Alma did when he saw the Sons of Mosiah:
1 And now it came to pass that as Alma was journeying from the land of Gideon southward, away to the land of Manti, behold, to his astonishment, he met with the sons of Mosiah journeying towards the land of Zarahemla.
2 Now these sons of Mosiah were with Alma at the time the angel first appeared unto him; therefore Alma did rejoice exceedingly to see his brethren; and what added more to his joy, they were still his brethren in the Lord; yea, and they had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth; for they were men of a sound understanding and they had searched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God.
3 But this is not all; they had given themselves to much prayer, and fasting; therefore they had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and when they taught, they taught with power and authority of God. —Alma 17:1-3
We are now Facebook friends, and I enjoy seeing her faith-filled posts. I’m so grateful that an invitation to attend Primary has led to a life filled with faith and comfort. I hope we can all be mindful of the impact simple invitations can have on the lives of others.
We are so richly blessed with the gospel – it’s a gesture of love to share what we have.