MAY 2 - MAY 15

May 01, 2022

CHOOSE THE RIGHT

This past Sunday I was teaching a gospel principles class for the young adults in Sunday school. This is the general makeup of the class:

Chloe Cooney, investigator, two Elders serving in our ward, one ‘returning’ member with his unmarried partner and baby, a single mom, missionary age young man who comes sometimes, new member, Eliza, baptized in January, three returned missionaries - two of which are struggling, a newer member trying to maintain her testimony while living in a dark environment, and a bi-sexual convert.

We were discussing the principle of AGENCY, the freedom to choose. (Moses 3:17 Thou mayest choose for thyself, for it is given unto thee)

I have always been so grateful for this gift, even with the opposition that accompanies our choices. Having been ‘around the sun’ quite a few times now, it is clear to me to see how making good choices increases our power to make more good choices and we find it easier.

Looking at the group above, these people whom I love and care about, I feel sadness when I see that the majority of their ‘agency’ is reaping negative consequences instead of blessings.

I know this is probably a worldwide problem and not singular to Wales, but this seems to be a hard place for young people to stay committed to the Gospel of Jesus Christ without family support and very low numbers of other single adults to associate with. We are working hard to help them strengthen their testimonies and champion their good choices - using their agency! It’s an uphill task. We won’t quit.

Meanwhile, we had a wonderful p-day, just the two of us, exploring a charming village called Portmeirion Village, including a village square, giant chessboard, cottages for rent, charming cafes, unique shops, views of the ocean, beautiful gardens, and surrounded by lush woodlands. I would describe the woodlands more of a jungle! We thought we would take a little hike, which soon became ascending and descending some impressive rocky paths with thick vegetation and took a lot longer than we thought! When we arrived back at the village square, we collapsed on a park bench and enjoyed a live jazz band! There are park benches EVERYWHERE! If there is a view -flowers to admire, gardens, ocean views, the English/Welsh people love to just sit…sit and admire the beauty around them. They take time to ‘smell the roses’! So we sat for quite a while on a bench and enjoyed just sitting, listening to good music, and watching people. It was perfect.

We are going to ‘sit’ on more park benches!