What I learned at church and Ted Talks

Yesterday, we went to two different sacrament meetings. First, was Hannah Pugh's missionary farewell, or whatever they call it now days. I expected a top-of-the-line talk from Hannah and was not disappointed.  She spoke of her journey to choosing faith and not doubt.  It was honest, humorous and inspiring.

My favorite quote of hers was from the poet, Franz Wright: "If you can make a star from nothing, you can raise me up."

Later, we went to hear Charles and Erica speak in their ward.  Charles was charming and thoughtful and was my favorite son of the day.  Four boys need to share the favorite son position.

But Erica gave the talk I needed to hear.  She described the ritual of staying close to God:

--Before bed, she lists what she's thankful for that day.
--She reads a chapter from scripture.
--She brushes her teeth and cleans her face, and thinks about what she's going to pray about.
--She kneels to pray making sure that she's warm enough and comfortable (a pillow under the knees).  In other words, she prays without distractions.
--She said she looks forward to talking with God, rather than feeling like she's crossing off some duty list.

What she didn't say was where she prayed.  So I asked her afterwards.

"I pray beside my bed," she said.

"Where's Charles?"

"He's usually on the bed with one kid or another."

"You say your prayers with other people in the room?"

"Yeah.  I tell them to be quiet, because I'm praying.  If Charles is having a serious discussion with one of the kids, I go somewhere else."

I am incredulous to hear this.  She can pray with other people in the room?

This would be too big of a distraction for me, but I like that she can do this.  Ole, Erica!

LESSONS I LEARNED AGAIN:

--Nourish your faith first, not your unbelief.
--You just need to show up.
--Fake it until you ARE it.

Thank you, Hannah, Charles, Erica and Ted Talks.