Conference tecrus::mormonism

383.0. "Unexpected Inspiration" by RICKS::SHERMAN (ECADSR::SHERMAN 225-5487, 223-3326) Tue Apr 16 1991 12:48

    Over the past few months, I have experienced inspiration when I wasn't
    looking for it that has changed my life.  I thought it might be
    appropriate to open a note along these lines because I know of two
    close friends that are going through the same thing.  I suspect that
    during hard times, the Lord may often work this way.  I cannot speak
    for the experience of others, but for me there are no doubts.
    
    Last December, my family and especially my wife, went through a crisis
    of sorts.  We rented a 2BR in a two-family that had become too small
    for us and our two growing kids.  At the same time, my wife was going
    through some personal crisis having to do with our nomadic lifestyle.
    We've been married over 9 years and during that time have always
    rented.  In the 5 years or so that we've lived in Massachusetts we had
    moved 3 times and had all but lost hope of putting down roots here.
    We figured that even though we loved the people in Massachusetts and
    liked living here, our future might be elsewhere.  The important thing
    was that she felt that we were putting our lives on hold with little
    prospect for change.  There's more to it than that, but you kind of get
    the feel of it.
    
    In January I got unexpected inspiration.  It was that something really
    good was just around the corner and I needed to get us ready for it.  I
    had no idea what it was, but it was going to be really good.  I won't
    go into details, but basically I pursued lots of options.  I went by
    feel and felt comfortable every step of the way, trying to stay close
    with the Spirit in all my investigations and decisions.
    
    Now, we have moved into a wonderful 3BR new construction under a
    rent-to-own agreement.  Things have worked out so that, suddenly, it
    appears that we will be able to afford this, though not much more.
    While driving back to pick up my family for the last time from the
    place we had been renting, I got that warm confirmation that this was
    it.  This was the wonderful thing that was just around the corner.  I
    had almost forgotten about the experience from last January.  So many
    things seem now to be falling into place for our family now.  And,
    there was one more bit of inspiration.  It was that we need to make
    sure that we use the property not just for ourselves, but also to help
    our friends.  Opportunities for this have already been made manifest.
    
    I have learned a lot of things.  This was not a situation where my
    faith was being tried.  I already had faith in God and that by living
    the commandments things would somehow work out.  I already enjoyed that
    feeling of peace and comfort that comes with the companionship of the
    Spirit on a day to day basis.  This was out of the blue and unexpected.
    But, it looks now to be just what we needed to begin living the way
    that we always thought we were supposed to live.  I learned also to
    maintain humility when so blessed and to make sure that we do not hoard
    the Lord's blessings, but see to it that these blessings are shared.
    There is joy in this which otherwise becomes empty when we take such
    blessings for granted.
    
    
    Steve

    That is wonderful Steve.
    
    I remember when you were moving into your last place how much you
    hoped that somehow you could own your own place.
    
    I think this exemplifies the idea "signs follow them that believe".
    I trust that were praying then for him to guide you, and the fore-
    runner prompting is a way to help make you notice the promptings
    more and to ask more specifically.
    
    Agani, I am very happy for you, and think this is indeed a case of 
    your recieving inspiriation that you deserve and probably asked for
    in a general way. Also you certianly asked for help in being able
    to buy your won place many times over the years.
    
    Have a good day,
    
    Len