Always Listen

Dear Gabriel,

I just want to tell you about a story - a little bit longer post than normal, but this must be shared.

Yesterday we were up in Salt Lake and decided to go to church before driving the rest of the way back to St. George from our LONG holiday vacation (which was SO rejuvenating!). For those that read this who might not be LDS, let me explain the meeting we were in.

We went at 1:00 in the afternoon and it was 'Fast and Testimony' Meeting - when members of the congregation are invited to tell everyone there about their feelings about Christ, the church, the atonement, Joseph Smith, the scriptures - and anything else they feel moved to say. Well, toward the end of the meeting a man went up to the stand that was very physically and mentally handicapped - his name was Carlos. He wasn't able to talk except in long tones and a few consonants here and there. One of his obviously good friends got up with him in order to interpret.

Well, with the help of his friend (I don't know his name) Carlos was able to tell just a couple of things. He talked about a few friends he saw when he was in Provo at the mall and how excited he was to see them. That was it. He didn't want to say anything else but that. Everyone in the congregation (including me) were listening politely, but when he finished I didn't think very much about what he wanted to say. I heard the words, but I didn't really listen to him. This is where the lesson comes in...

After a few more people who got up, the last person to get up was Carlos's friend who helped to interpret. He taught me a GREAT lesson. This is what he said when he got up...

"I just wanted to get up because I felt like I needed to add to what Carlos was saying today. I didn't feel like I was able to interpret what he was trying to say correctly and it is my fault for not getting across the true meaning of what is in Carlos's heart...". Then this kind man started talking about a moment in the scriptures - specifically in the Book of Mormon. There is a story about Ammon and how after many years of being apart from his very good friends and brothers, he was able to meet up with them again. This story talks about how excited he was to see them, that basically he jumped for joy because they were still his 'brethern in the Lord'. The story talks about how wonderful it was for Ammon to see them again because of their faith and their love for the gospel of Jesus Christ - which Ammon shared so intensely.

Well, then Carlos's friend said this, "This is what Carlos was trying to say. When he saw his two good friends at the mall he was so excited because he knew they were his 'brethern in the Lord'! He loves the gospel and Jesus Christ so much that I know he feels exactly like Ammon did when he sees his brothers and sisters who rejoice in the gospel as much as he does."

Well, I started BAWLING. How insightful and so kind for this man to get up and follow the spirit so well to make sure that Carlos was understood. How amazing that he knew his friend so well that the spirit could talk to him in order to make sure that Carlos's message was sent out so well and so clear, the way that Carlos could not do himself.

This taught me a great lesson of listening. Really listening. This man listened not just to Carlos, but to the Lord and what He would have him do for his friend. What an amazing and humble example of how I can listen. Just something little like that meant the WORLD to Carlos. You could see it in Carlos's eyes when his friend was talking. He knew what he was saying and I am sure his heart was jumping with gratitude for having a miracle like a friend who listens.

Be a friend who listens. Always listen. Don't just hear, don't just nod your head in agreement. Really LISTEN.

I love you,

Your Mom