Have you seen the multi-season series about the Life of Jesus called, “The Chosen”? It portrays events in the life of Christ from a whole new, much more relatable perspective. I love watching it, and after finishing season 3 last week, I went back to Season 1 and started again. I love watching the character who plays Jesus. He shows love in such a genuine way in the series. I especially enjoy watching him because the character of Jesus is teaching me what loving kindness, also known as charity and the pure love of Christ, looks like.
For a long time I was confused by what I learned about “love” at church. I heard so much about service and sacrifice, which is absolutely part of the pure love of Christ. Unfortunately, I was always worrying if I was loving enough. I even had a mental checklist of service to perform, and I worried that I wasn’t ever doing enough. I just thought I was really bad at love.
Watching the Jesus in “The Chosen” series show love and compassion is teaching me that I can do it too.
Before I went to church yesterday, I took a few minutes to quietly meditate on the parts of the day in front of me. I mentally went down my planned activities for the day; Sacrament Meeting, Relief Society, daughter and grandsons coming for dinner, planning my week, taking part in a workshop on marriage with Lee.
I thought about the people I would be with and how I always want to show up as a little bit better version of myself.
The moment came during Relief Society when the lady who sat behind me was introduced as new to our Ward. I turned around and introduced myself, and invited her to sit next to me. During the meeting I thought about what I could say to her when Relief Society was over, to get to know her a little better. The question I asked her was, “ tell me the story of how you came to be part of our Ward?” I didn’t want to assume that she was married, had children, etc. We had a delightful conversation about where she lived and what she was doing, and that she has three fur babies and no human babies yet.
I went home feeling great about how easy it was to talk with someone when I was not simply crossing off “speak to someone new” on my checklist. When I genuinely enjoyed getting to know her, I caught a little glimpse of my better self.
How are you doing at becoming the “better self” that you want to be?
What are you learning about love from Jesus Christ?
Sometimes, when people we love choose different paths than we’ve chosen, it can be a challenge to accept their choices, not be disappointed or perhaps even “love” them.
I coach faithful women affected by family members losing their faith or leaving the LDS church. It’s a really rough time – I know from my own personal experience and that of many others I have worked with. I would love to help you negotiate this overwhelming time. We learn that loving choices are always available to us.
If you are in this type of turmoil, perhaps now is the time to get some help?
I invite you to set up an appointment and we can just talk about what’s on your mind and in your heart.
