A most spiritual day

Turns out, I had nothing to worry about. I walked into the chapel and sat in the front pew, because that was the only pew, it seemed, that wasn't occupied by members of a family.

No worries, though. It gave me the perfect vantage point where I could listen to what people were saying during fast and testimony Sunday. I told myself that I would not be giving testimony this day; that no one knew who I was or would care what I had to say.

But you have to realize something. It had been months since I'd told many people about my faith. In fact, aside from some close friends and Danielle, no one really knows over here in Fresno, where I now live. So I guess you could say that was a prompting that the Spirit gave me. I listened to people talk about returning to the church and being re-baptized. And this woman who said this really struck an arrow into my stomach. I simply had to go up there.

And you know what happened when I did? I was welcomed up front by the bishop, who motioned for me to sit next to him. He whispered to me, "I'm glad you're here," almost as if he knew exactly how I was feeling. I wonder what compelled him to say that?

I gave my testimony about how I believe being a member of this church, and how my connection to my Heavenly Father has been a great source of strength to me during this time. It's almost as if I could see Heavenly Father nodding his head along with me, like He'd been with me the entire time. He knows exactly what I've been through.

I mentioned what it was like to be in this faith, and that I had been a "Sunday Mormon" most of my time in the church. There's quite a difference between being that and one truly unselfish, spiritual and loving to others and being of service to others and magnifying the Gospel. I'll be the first to admit I didn't do that for so long, and that I still have a long way to go.

I did not give my testimony to receive accolades, or to hear myself talk, or to be a shining example of great oratory speech. I went up there because I felt the Spirit inside of me, so strong and so true. He knows I was scared to go to church, and yet He knows that the chapel, the people and the message is of great comfort to me. There is no denying that.

And then, in elders' quorum, I was witness to the changing of the presidency there. Each member past and present received a blessing. What powerful messages were wrought there! I think I must have had tears in my eyes for most of the service. And then, I walked outside, and I saw the Fresno Temple right across the way from the chapel I'd just attended. What a special sight that was.

And then, later in the night, I was able to share my experiences as a member to a friend I've recently reconnected with that I went to high school with. We spent an hour debating the merits of faith and family. I have to remind myself that it's moments like these that aren't easily duplicated or replicated. For what a blessing it is to share thoughts about one's faith, in a manner that is both respectful and insightful.

I have to wonder if Heavenly Father had a role in that discussion, too. Because I know He knows much better than I do what is inside of me. Maybe yesterday was the perfect day to bring so much of it out.

On a day dominated by the Super Bowl, it certainly was my Super Sunday, of different proportions.