Changed
Kenton Cowick of Cary, NC, USA
Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them; those who are being tortured, as though you yourselves were being tortured. Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.” -Hebrews 13:1-3, 5-6a
At the age of 12 I was one of five attending the pre-baptism class of the small Wakenda Congregation. At the end of the classes everyone except me agreed to be baptized. The pastor, wanting 100%, invited himself to our home for Sunday dinner. Our small home had no space for privacy so the pastor asked me to join him in his car. He talked and talked. Wanting to hear the St. Louis Cardinals baseball game I told him “YES.”
When I was 14, I told my mom I could not go to church Sunday morning because I needed to help prepare the baseball field for our game that afternoon. That was the end of my church attendance for five years.
After graduating from high school, I was given the chance to attend Rolla School of Engineering and Metallurgy for eight weeks. I started working on a survey party for the highway department. I began to observe the actions of my coworkers. One person in particular was very selfish and self-serving. He felt the world circled around him. The Sunday school teachers who had dedicated their lives to others came to mind. What was I going to do with my life?
I knew what I had to do. I made a date with God for 30 days later. During that 30 days I prepared by study and prayer. I even read from the Book of Mormon which I had never done.
The thirtieth day was a Saturday. Since I went home on the weekends, I was at my parents’ small farm. I went to a secluded area and knelt to pray. My eyes were closed but I felt a tremendous darkness come over me, creating fear I had never felt before. I continued to pray. The darkness was replaced by amazing light with two brighter lights, one more brilliant then the other. These words were impressed on my mind: I love you. Your sins are forgiven. Follow the teachings of my Son.
My life was completely changed!
Prayer Phrase
My ordinary life is a sacred place.
Spiritual Practice
Sacramental Living
“…our everyday ordinary lives are also sacred places, or put another way, the sacred place of our living. As dwellers within the Sacredness of Creation, there is potential to be aware and appreciate the holy within the ordinary. You may remember times when it felt like you were seeing the world through God’s eyes. That’s a good description for what it means to live sacramentally-to sense divine Spirit amid daily activities.” -Jane M. Gardner, “Sacramental Living,” September/October 2019 Herald, p. 5
How are you invited to live sacramentally today?
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
