Daily Bread

Elder Christofferson gave a fireside this past week for the monthly CES fireside. He addressed the topic of “daily bread,” saying, “as you ask in prayer for your daily bread, consider thoughtfully your needs, both what you may lack and what you must protect against. As you retire to bed, think about the successes and failures of the day and what will make the next day a little better.” He then promised the young adults that “your [daily] reflections will increase your faith in Him as you see His hand helping you to endure some things and to change others. You will be able to rejoice in one more day, one more step toward eternal life.”

I taught a lesson on Sunday about magnifying our callings. I drew a picture of a magnifying glass and we talked about how most of time when people think of magnifying a calling, they think of the function of making something seem bigger. A magnifying glass can make a tiny insect look huge. I tried to focus on the opposite function: directing light with more intensity. I feel like a lot of the apostles have been speaking recently about simplifying our lives rather than making them more of a show and more involved. Elder Uchtdorf's most recent conference address talked about slowing down through the turbulent times in our lives rather than taking on more and picking up speed. It is important that we focus our energy on the important things rather than spreading ourselves so thin and putting on a big, magnified show.

Elder Oaks once said that being a disciple is not a matter of random spiritual outbursts, but constant daily dedication to the Lord. I know that is true. I hope to apply it a little better and take the advice of Elder Christofferson by offering daily reflection and showing gratitude for the "daily bread" I am given by the Lord.