Covenant Making and Breaking

Covenants have become fragile things for me. They must be handle with care, otherwise, in my clumsy hands distracted mind I end up breaking them.

I met with my Bishop and Stake President this past weekend; it was in those visits that Father made something very clear to me. But I don't think I would've been ready for it had I not been attentive during General Conference, there Father reminded me that I can only be healed through Priesthood Keys. So as I sat with my Bishop, he told me that I should go to the Temple and absorb the ineffable spirit that attends the place (for me it has always just been a nice place, not ineffable...but then again, I realize I don't know much, so the things of God appear foolish to the neophyte...or something to that effect.) I later met with the Stake President, in his counsel to me, much was incoherent gibberish, but then he stated with clarity, even sharpness, "go to the temple and let it serve you." He said the temple is a template for our lives.

When I heard this, the message was clear: God wanted me to go to the temple, for what, well I think I'm coming to understand. My prayers with God have been going well, I just have to trust that He's there and He's listening compassionately. While I don't quite feel like I know Him, at least, the communication line is open, really for the first time, and it feels good. So I went to the temple yesterday and just sat in my car with full view of the temple and its grounds. In my impatience, I blurted out, "OK Father, I'm here! Now what?"

As I sat there, I had a very distinct impression to make a covenant. It was a simple covenant. And so I did, I covenanted that I would not get on Craigslist for any reason for a week. I was on Craigslist the day before and got tickets for Cut Copy for me and a friend. While on Craigslist, my addict started up wanting to cruise the ads, but I didn't. So in the shadow of the temple, I covenanted with God that I would not get onto Craigslist for any reason. I felt good about it.

As I have had time to reflect on this, Father recognizes how clumsy I am with covenants. In the presence of the temple, He is teaching me how to make and keep covenants. I'm grateful for a tutoring, mentoring, loving Father. I will continue to talk with Him as I do my very best friend!