The Lord's way: Encourage us, usually in gentle messages, to do good things

My 98-year-old aunt died this January. I admired her, but didn’t know her well. However, I remembered my own grief when my mother passed away, so I felt I should write condolence notes to my cousins and my aunt’s siblings. Though I knew I wanted to write those notes, I kept putting them off. Finally, I sat down to write. The cards didn’t take long at all, and once I got going, I remembered several things I loved about my aunt—her grace, her kindness, her lovely smile. It was sweet to think about her in more depth. I was glad I followed through.

To my surprise, I have received many responses to my notes. How joyful it was to hear again from beloved family members, thanking me for my card! I recognized that my urge to send those notes was a quiet suggestion from God. He wanted me to reach out to others, and He wanted them to have a reason to reconnect with me. He may have other reasons as well, but the whole experience confirmed to me again that as I follow promptings, often to just do small things, I receive blessings that far surpass my expectations.

I think this is the Lord’s way: encourage us, usually in gentle messages, to do good things. Sometimes, when I get messages of this nature, I waste time wondering if it is my own idea (meaning: can I just ignore this?) Or a Divine one (be sure to do this!) Since Christ is all things good, then if the notion is good, it is from Him, and I should stop arguing and act.

My card-writing foray helped me notice again that these little tasks are actions that will make ME happy. In the example above, I felt glad just to write the cards and think about family members that I love, but have little interaction with. I was surprised at how rewarding it was to simply write and send. What I didn’t expect was the outpouring of blessings that came after—warmth, affection, reconnection—much richer than I could have imagined. The Lord beckoned me into a green pasture, and when I followed, I found a table, richly laid (see Psalms 23).

I don’t like regret. How many times have I ignored those little ideas, and realized later that I missed a great opportunity, or worse, caused a problem? Often, if I am arguing with myself about taking action, I wonder: will I regret NOT doing this thing? If the answer is yes, I had better get going.

Occasionally, I must admit, things don’t pan out as anticipated. I recall when I was a child that my church class presented a carefully made baby blanket to a young family. It was unceremoniously received, and we all felt disappointed that our gift had fallen flat. But I learned that sometimes I need to exercise more faith: just notice the good idea and carry it out in sincerity. If the consequences are dissatisfying, so be it. I have reward enough knowing I did what I felt was right.

Of course, I shouldn’t be surprised that God wants me to be happy. A Book of Mormon prophet reminded us that His plan is “The plan of happiness” (Alma 42:16): Come to earth, gain a body, learn, and return. God’s ultimate purpose for us: grow up and be happy.

Bottom line: Our God wants us to have joy. He wants us to savor our beautiful world and have caring relationships. He knows what brings happiness, and He willingly shares those secrets of the universe. Sometimes they are called commandments. Don’t lie. Don’t covet. Don’t commit adultery. That way brings misery. Since He is a God of Happiness, He wants us to know don’ts AND do’s: Love your parents. Love your friends. Even love your enemies. Forgive. Share. Care for the widows or homeless or lonely.

And He even takes the time to personally guide me to happiness. He might tell me to give my daughter a call, rub my husband’s shoulders when he is at his desk, develop a skill, or pray more. My happiness clearly matters to Him. He wants to enrich my life every day, if I will listen, stop arguing, and make it happen.

Kristin Fry is a happy member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.