Spiritual Nourishment

When I was on my mission, reading the Ensign magazine was like candy.  It was an added sweetness to our normal studies; a splash of color; a taste of humor; a glimpse of the gospel working for others throughout the world.  I LOVE the Ensign... only I haven't feasted upon it like I used to.  Now it comes in the mail along side bills and running magazines and often-times stays wrapped in plastic longer than it should.  

Today was a turning point.  

I glanced through it this morning to find a spiritual thought to use in my Presidency meeting.  I came across this poem and loved it.  The Ensign is like candy to me again. :)

The Atonement

by Lisa Jan South

My happiness and peace

seemed forever gone,

leaving only regret--

until I saw the blackened earth.

One bad decision and a forest

was destroyed--

or would have been

except for the saving grace

and promise of new life

evidenced in small green shoots

pushing through the ashes.

(Ensign Feb. 2011 pg. 12)

http://lds.org/ensign?lang=eng

Even just today, I have read this poem over and over again and embrace its meaning.  I love how the gospel can relate to any aspect of our lives.  I frequently apply it to setting goals and "starting over" and "becoming new" and not giving up on ourselves.  That is what the gospel is all about, and that's why I especially love the image above.  Even when things in our life may seem destroyed or worthless or lost... the green sprout represents change.  Renewal. Hope in Christ.  The Atonement.  I know it is real and that good things do come from ashes and failure.  And then we must follow the council in Alma ch. 32 to act-- to experiment, plant, nourish, and desire all these good things waiting for us.

The gospel is good.  The Atonement is real.  The Ensign is spiritual candy.