One day I was standing in line and noticed Sister Laurel Armstrong eating a Mississippi Mud. At first blush this may seem unremarkable, however, given that she was a 5'3" very petite spiritual powerhouse it was a strange sight to see her indulge in a
frozen confection roughly the size of her head. So I strolled over and signed (everyone was required to use their language at all times). . .
"Sister Armstrong, what are you doing? If you eat that, your heart will seize up and you will die! That thing is huge!"
Smiling she replied, "Yes, it is a huge ice cream sandwich but it helps me get the Spirit"
"Huh, I don't get the connection. . .helps you get the Spirit? What do you mean?"
"Let me explain Elder Dilts, when I eat ice cream it makes me happy - when I'm happy, it's easier for me to get the Spirit. Simple really."
Wow, that makes sense. I walked over to the bin, got a Mississippi Mud and . . . it worked! I used the Sister Armstrong Ice Cream Principle throughout my entire mission. When my companion and I were struggling, I'd pull in to some place and buy a couple frozen yogurts or ice creams. Then we were happier, it was easier to get the Spirit and move forward. I still use this principle today.
If you're in a funk and need the Spirit, find something - anything that brings a smile to your face, makes you happy and then it is much easier to pray and get the Spirit.
1 comment:
Ish. I could get into the whole question of presence of the Spirit. . . Maybe I will. I like the thought, but it's utter non-sense, really.
We can get in touch with the Spirit most easily when we're living right and listening. If it was easier when we were happy, then at the hardest times in our life we'd find it harder to get the peace of God when we needed it the most. Nope. God is just as much available and easy to get a hold of when you're miserable.
If her ability to get the Spirit was based on happiness, wouldn't that indicate a shallow and immature relationship with God? Does she fall away if she has a prolonged trial or suffering? One can only wonder . . .
I know. I know. Never invite someone studying theology to a party. We're such bummers.
Post a Comment