I would ask if all is done?

Today I taught a class of 12-13 year olds. The lesson was about pressing forward in the steadfastness of Christ. I tried to remember what I was like at that age and the truth is I can't remember a thing about what I learnt at that age. I can tell you who liked who, what clothes I wore, and even songs from that time - but not too much else..... so while the children in my class were participating, and no one fell asleep, I quickly realised while preparing, while I was deliverying, and now some hours later - this lesson was for me. In particular a question that a man called Nephi asked of his people "if all is done?"

This question probably resonates a little more this week than it would at some other time, because this week my family and I have been involved in a tangi for a woman that was most loved and tresaured not only by her family, but also her friends and the commmunity. Her life long service to many was acknowledged when she was awarded a QSM (Queen's Service Medal) award - so you can tell she was very special.... During the week, people have talked about how busy she was, and the work that she would do for so many people, and for her selflessness.  The answer to the question "if all is done" can only be a resounding yes!

My friend has recently lost a nephew who was born into a body that did not work properly. He was not quite one yet, but in the months that he lived he had been through more operations, procedures, helicopter and ambulance rides, and needles than most of us do in a life time. The question - if all is done - can be asked here. The answer again - has to be yes. For whatever reason, this little boy was born into this life - he gained a body, he bore his trials and is now free.

Nephi knew his people very well, and once he asked the question if all was done? He answered no, it is not.

A good example of this I take from my sons who were asked to do the dishes. One washes and the other dries. I am grateful that at 16 years old, they listen and do the dishes without question. If I was to ask them - if all is done? They would happily report - yes and for them they have discharged their duty, EXCEPT for the fact that as we look and see there on the bench are lovely washed and dried dishes, granted not the normal - the tupperware, ice tray etc, but still dishes! So in fact, is all done?  - the answer - NO!

So what does Nephi teach the people? He goes on to teach his people that although the work is not completed - we all need to press forward in the steadfastness of Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men."

Today, a friend of mine shared with a group of us ladies a story about a man that ran in the 1968 Mexico Olympics marathon - John Stephen Ahkwari from Tanzania. After suffering a bad fall and dislocating a joint in the process this amazing man continued running to the end (he press forwarded :-)) and completed the race an hour after the winner crossed the finish line. In fact, the winner had already had the medal ceremony, it was nightfall, and the stadium was almost empty - but this man kept going and going. When asked why he didn't quit - he replied according to the documentary "my country did not send me 5000 miles to start a race, they sent me 5000 miles to finish the race." The question asked of this man "if all was done?" - the answer would be yes & eventually! He kept going when it was easier to stop.... He showed us what it will take for us to press forward with the steadfastness in Christ. His example also demonstrates what it is like to have a brightness of hope. As long as we keep going, one foot in front another - moving all the time, we will get to where we are going.

So today I learnt heaps about the question that I should ask of myself if all is done? For me, there is much more to do. I am inspired by the people around me to keep moving - to press forward in the steadfastness in Christ, to have a brightness of hope and to love those around me and my God..... Now I just have to get cracking!!

Have a lovely week and see you next time.

Yours in friendship,

Mxo