"I just want you all to be nice to each other," She would reply.
We would usually get her a few nice smelling candles, and occasionally we would pitch in for something nicer to buy and give together. Sometimes it was something for the kitchen, sometimes it was a pet (dad was never too happy about that one) and sometimes silly cards would accompany a silly gift.
When I was younger, I used to think that my mom didn't ask for anything but us being nice to our siblings because she just didn't like anyone to spend money on her. I thought measly little candles and trinkets weren't important to her, and if we spent more money on her and bought her bigger and better things, she would be happier.
But as I've grown and learned more about my mother and about my God, I've come to see my mother's response in a different light.
Matthew 22:39
36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt alove the Lord thy God with all thy bheart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy cmind.
Our Heavenly Father wants us to love Him. He wants us to trust Him and do what He says. Sometimes when we asks our earthly parents or our Heavenly Parent why we have to do something, the response is "Because I said so." It's frustrating sometimes and we don't always understand, but it's rare that a parent will give a rule or tell us that we can or can't do something because they want to hurt us. They do it because they see the bigger picture, they know what lies down certain paths, they've experienced heartaches and pains and they don't want those things for us. They see consequences short term and long term and they want us to walk down paths that will lead us to joy and fulfillment and success.
Our Heavenly Father is no different. He sees EVERYTHING, He sees the consequences long-term and short-term. He sees what will make us happy and He wants us to trust Him and what He says. He just wants us to be happy!! When He tells us "Because I said so," or "Because I know better," we would be smart to listen to Him.
Likewise, He wants us to love each other. He wants the Spirit to be present in our lives and in our homes. He wants each and every one of us to eventually return to live with Him. He knows that living with Him will make us happier than anything else.
Can you imagine a world where everyone loves each other? Think about it for a second. If every single person was motivated by the love that they have for God and for each other, life would be pretty darn good! There would still be problems with physical ailments, but if the entire world were motivated by love...
The single greatest act of all of earth's history was motivated by pure and perfect love.
Because of Him, we CAN love each other. We can overcome our weaknesses and help others overcome theirs because He performed the Atonement and set the example for how we should live.
And most importantly, because of His love, we can be perfectly happy and return to live with our loving Heavenly Father again. And we can be there forever.
And it's all made possible because Christ loved his brothers and sisters.
Discover what else is possible Because of Him by checking out this website and the life-changing video attached! And love your friends and family members enough to share with them what Christ has done to help them to be happier!
