I remember seeing the video* in the previous post and being particularly struck by the line '...remember that you are spirit of the most creative Being in the universe. Isn't it remarkable to think that your very spirits are fashioned by an endlessly creative and eternally compassionate God? Think about it--your spirit body is masterpiece, created with a beauty, function, and capacity beyond imagination.' Wow! After hearing that, I also read a talk by Elder David A Bednar entitled Pray Always. In talking about prayer and making it more meaningful, he quoted Alma
Cry unto God for all thy support; yea, let all thy doings be unto the Lord and whithersoever thou goest let it be in the Lord;...Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when though liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when though risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God;...' (Alma 37:36-37)
I mulled over the idea of myself being created by an infinitely creative God and the fact that I should be counseling with Him in all things, it dawned on me. There was no reason that the Lord would not help me out during this time. My choreography was not a trivial matter at the time. My job would be compromised not to mention my own insecurities would be brought to the forefront. The matter at hand was the fact that I was suffering emotionally probably more than most people would believe.
So I took a leap of faith, so to speak, and got down on my knees immediately. All of this happened in the space of a few hours while my kids were all napping. I remember very few things from this prayer but I do remember that it was very meaningful. I know that I expressed gratitude for my talents. I thanked the Lord for a wonderful husband and family who support me in my dancing. I thanked Him for the blessing of having an able body to use as a tool of praise and honor and for the talent to express that.
I didn't have any visions of glorious dancers leaping and pirouetting across the stage. My body wasn't suddenly overcome with the urge to move in a specific way. But I do remember feeling peace. The choreography came to me and all was well.
The full scope of this experience didn't really hit me until a few weeks ago. I was asked by a gal in my stake to choreograph and perform two dance pieces for our stake women's conference. Of course I jumped at the chance. She told me her vision and gave me the music. I listened to the song and I was stumped! The song was beautiful, but it didn't drive me to move. I had nothing to say with choreography. I didn't want to tell her that the song needed to be changed or that we needed to do something else. I don't ever want to mess with someones artistic vision and I certainly wanted to make sure that I was not getting lost in my own selfish whims when the whole purpose of this dance was to glorify the Father.
On the day that I was supposed to meet with a fellow dancer who was going to duet with me, I told that I had no ideas. On top of that, the kids were having a hard time that day and being especially disobedient. I walked into rehearsal with this dear friend of mine and I said, 'I don't know what to do, I think we need to start this all with a prayer.' So we prayed for inspiration. We prayed for peace in our hearts. We also prayed that our kids would behave and let us get it all done.
Again, no visions. Instead, we were blessed with peace. Choreography came easily to us and we were able to make quick decisions of what worked and what didn't. Women's conference is this weekend and I'm so excited for it. I think it's going to be amazing! I know that it wouldn't be half as good if we didn't have the Lord on our side.
While writing about these experiences, my mind turned to another scripture, James 1:5
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
I love this passage for many reasons, but I never thought of it in this context. I feel that whatever we are lacking, if we ask, with pure intent, we will receive what we need.
What experiences have you had with prayer that helped you understand even further the relationship between you and our Father in Heaven?
*You can read that whole talk here
**Image lifted from Mormon Soprano
