We talked about many experiences in these chapters of Mark that have great impact on my testimony. However; there is a story in this scripture block that touched my heart . It is of a woman who gave much to the Lord.
The story of the Widow's mite is simple but has meaning to me. (Mark 12:42-44),
42: ..."There came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing."
43: ..."This poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasure:"
44: "For al they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had,
even all her living."
The widow give her all. She gave willingly! One of our students gave this insight: "It is not the amount we give, it is the sincerity of our heart."
A long time ago when I had four children; ages seven, five, three, one and a half, and was pregnant with twin babies to be born in two months. One of the Councilors in the Bishopric asked to visit with me. Sure! Then, after we had talked a bit, he issued a call to me to be the 4-5 year old teacher in the Primary!
My first thoughts to come out of my mouth were..."I am just about ready to have twin babies!" He told me that they had discussed it as a Bishopric. They knew this was not good timing but the impression still kept coming...this was what the Lord was calling me to do. I am sure my mouth gaped open and my eyes were wide and glassy. Words would not come. Then he said, "we do not need an answer now. Go home and pray about it. Take your time. See what the Lord tells you."
I thought my plate was full with four children...add two more...I can't believe this is real!
I went home and cried! I asked the Lord if he knew what my life was like... did He know I was pregnant with twins??? Did He really know me???? Did the Lord know I already had four children to get ready for 9:00am church? Adding to my problems were two new babies to bathe and nurse. Getting us all into the van and ready for church on time, was going to take a miracle! Piled on top of that, He was asking me to prepare a lesson EVERY WEEK! Then the question, how do you teach a bunch of little kids with two babies needing to be held? Yes, I cried some more! I asked again if HE KNEW ME? Asking me to be a Primary teacher was impossible as I saw it!
Then, the next morning as I was washing dishes in the nice warm water I looked out the window, still struggling with all the thoughts of how incapable I was to do what the Lord was asking! As I looked out the window, there in the distance on the top of a hill I saw three telephone poles...they appeared as three crosses! My heart was stilled for a moment as I thought about Christ. I thought about how hard it was for Him to accomplish the Atonement for us. Then the words came into my mind, "Jesus Christ has done so much for you, how hard is it to teach a Primary class?" I CRIED BUCKETS OF TEARS into my dishwater. It was then that I knew the Primary calling was for me!
I told Heavenly Father that I was sorry for not wanting this calling, but now I knew! I also pleaded for his help to make it all happen. I saw miracles every Sunday! Dean was in the High Council and not always at church or at home to help. The blessed older children helped so much getting the little ones ready. I worked hard to nurse and bottle the babies so they would have full tummies before going out the door. But the blessings came...As I got to the church I put the babies in their car seats under the little table in our room. Heavenly Father caused a deep sleep to come over them until after Primary was over! He multiplied my time and ability to do the calling. He moved mountains and calmed my storms as I prepared with a willing heart!
So, I was the widow's mite...I had little to offer, but did so willingly (after my spiritual struggles)...
Why did the Lord call me to this calling? It was not because there were no other sisters able to teach. It was His way of letting me know that HE DID KNOW ME! HE DID KNOW WHAT MY LIFE WAS LIKE! HE knew that I would see His hand in my life. I would recognize the miracles HE would send. He knew I needed the extra strength of testimony later in my life!
What is seemingly impossible to man (women) is not beyond the power of God!
I want all of my posterity to know that You can never give more to the Lord than what he gives to you! He will make you equal to every calling. He will bless you beyond your own abilities to accomplish the task or the calling! Say yes, then you are guaranteed blessings! I am a much better person because I have walked with him through life's experiences.
The Lord isn't really talking about money when referring to this beautiful woman. He is talking about her willing heart.
Remember, the Lord accepts our sincere acts of devotion! The Lord asks hard things of his people. Be ready to say yes! Give your all to the Lord and you will never go wrong! Be ready to have your "boat" filled with more blessings than you can hold.
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