One June we were in Salt Lake City for a family wedding. Afterward my father wanted to go see one of his friends. This friend had been the Regional Rep where Dad lived, but also happened to be the personal secretary to the President of the Church. So we went to the old Church Office Building to visit D. Arthur Haycock.
Brother Haycock met us in the foyer to say hello, then disappeared, saying he'd be back in a few minutes. After a while he returned, and said to us, "The Prophet will see you now."
Gasp.
My very first thought--no kidding--was, Oh! What am I wearing?
Of course I was fine; I had just come from the temple.
But I laugh at myself, even now, that it was my first thought.
You'd think I would be more worried about what he might see inside me.
And in fact, the closer we got to the Prophet's door, I was.
We had the awesome opportunity of visiting with President Harold B. Lee that day.
He asked a little about us, and told us some stories, teaching us about the importance of serving in the Church. Maybe that's why I don't say no.
Throughout my life this experience has reminded me to always dress appropriately, but to pay even more attention to what the Lord sees.
"..Let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
But let it be the hidden (wo)man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit." 1 Peter 3:3-4
I would like to say (as Cyrano de Bergerac):
"I carry my adornments on my soul.
I go caparisoned in gems unseen."
President Lee taught me:
The gospel isn't about being; it's about becoming.
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3 comments:
What a cool experience. I haven't ever had anything close to that, but I feel like that whenever I have to meet with the Bishop for a calling. I feel like he can see my soul, and I'm always hoping it's in good form. I'm willing to serve and try to what's right, but know I can always do better so I sometimes wonder what he sees when he looks at me.
Why is it I've never heard that story before? What an incredible experience. I know I got my willingness to serve from you, but I didn't realize you got it from the council of a prophet.
I'm like Jill, I wonder what my bishop sees when he looks at me. I think we would all be much better people if we focused more on what's inside than what's outside. It may be time for some spring cleaning!
I didn't know this!! That is AWESOME and I'm sure you were worried about what you were wearing because the rest of you was already in good shape!
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