It really brought things into perspective for me. Using the buffet as an analogy, I find myself picking and choosing from each section in the hopes that I’ve left room for the “dessert.” But honestly, how can I enjoy the dessert if I’m not doing everything possible to earn that reward? I’m reminded of my mother as I was growing up. You don’t get dessert until you’ve cleaned your plate.

I find that goes right along with your analogy. We must do all of those things as Elder Wirthlin so pointed out to be able to have the rewards of the “dessert.”

Two weeks ago I was feeling down, so I thought about the tools of happiness I have. 1. gratitude. 2. repentance 3. service etc. I felt that the best solution to my unhappiness was repentance. When I prayed, I asked the Lord to show me where I needed to repent, where greater obedience was required.

I was answered early on in my prayer. I was guilty of laziness.

Ugh!!!!! I was not expecting that. I am a mother of three with one on the way. The one on the way part was giving me nausea and a lack of energy. The other three were sapping the rest. I was ticked!

But as I gave it more thought, the things about my life that were making me sad were a perpetually cluttered home, lack of organization in our schedule and a general malaise about prayer, scripture study and family togetherness. I had let my condition make me lazy. Maybe that was OK, even God wasn’t so mad about it, my husband certainly wasn’t, but I asked God what I could change to be happy, and He knew. I feel happier in an organized environment.

The next week, the morning sickness lapsed and I began to feel great! I spent a lot of time working on the things the Lord showed me as weaknesses and began to match my spiritual well being with my new found physical energy.

How does this pertain to the obedience buffet? Just like when I go to a regular buffet I go out seeking my favorites. Spiritually speaking I find that obeying the law of tithing is a favorite of mine so I head there first, followed by some other commandments that I naturally favor. I’ll ask the Lord – What’s next? Or a trial will arise and a certain commandment is highlighted in my life. Either way, I don’t think we are expected to partake of everything at once. But the Lord will refine us, become the author and finisher of our faith, and will guide us into the feast by inviting us to fully partake when we are ready.

I try my best to nibble at all of the commandments, but as you say there are times when I feel unable to eat another bite. I think that is OK. Either mercy or the enabling power of the atonement will provide a way, sometime – maybe not right now – for me to be more obedient. The key for me is to ask the Lord of the Feast – what’s next?

“Wherefore, do not spend money for that which is of no worth, nor your labor for that which cannot satisfy. Hearken diligently unto me, and remember the words which I have spoken; and come unto the Holy One of Israel, and feast upon that which perisheth not, neither can be corrupted, and let your soul delight in fatness.”

Love it! 🙂