My Gratitude Overfloweth

Tonight I had the opportunity to participate in several marvelous and faith-building experiences. The story does not start several hours ago, but several weeks ago.

In my 5^th period math class I had a feisty junior named Matt. Matt was bright and hilarious. However, he used his powers for evil and was a constant source of discord in the classroom and aggravation for the teacher.

The first week of October one of my co-workers, who is also a member of the church, told me that this Matt was baptized. I was astonished and thought about Matt in my class. “You know,” I said, “I haven’t had to yell at him for a couple of weeks and I usually have to talk to him everyday.”

“Well the whole process has been about that long,” she replied.

I was floored. I talked to him that day and found out when his confirmation would be. It was a humbling thing to see him receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, to talk with him about the gospel, and to meet his sweet mother who wanted the examples of strong men in her son’s life.

Tonight, Matt’s mom, Barbara, was baptized by her son who recently received the priesthood and has the power and authority to do so. The Spirit during the ordinance and entire service was strong. The talks, the songs, the people, the love that was in the room was overwhelming.

The joy and blessings of the night did not end with the baptismal service. I went over to a friend’s home with several missionaries and others who were at the baptism. One of those persons was a former student, Jordin. (I was never lucky enough to have her in any of my classes, but I claim all Skyhawks the same.) She is not a member of the church, but tonight called herself a “practically mormon.” I got to talk with her for a few hours about everything including boys, dorm-life, the gospel, her mom, and chocolate-covered cherries. There was such a profound spirit there as we discussed living the gospel and learning about Christ’s church.

I drove her home and just before she got out to go upstairs I had the opportunity to give her a copy of James E. Talmage’s The Articles of Faith. I shared a brief testimony that the contents were true and she went home “to read it right now!”

I am awed by the faith of these young people. They are great examples not only to their families, but also to me. I am grateful for their lives and my associations with them. Matt could have just as easily been in anyone else’s math class, but he was scheduled to mine.

I am blessed to know them. I am blessed to know that God has restored his church on the earth and that I am a member of it. Tonight we sang the primary song, “The Church of Jesus Christ,” and each word raced through my being screaming that it was true.

The Church of Jesus Christ

I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
I know who I am.
I know God’s plan.
I’ll follow him in faith.
I believe in the Savior, Jesus Christ.
I’ll honor his name.
I’ll do what is right;
I’ll follow his light.
His truth I will proclaim.

Words and music: Janice Kapp Perry, b. 1938. © 1989 IRI