Today in Sunday School we were talking about hypocrites in the scriptures; the scribes and pharisees who wanted to trick and trap Jesus, but not listen to him. Then we talked about those who truly worshiped him, and wanted to show their love and devotion to him. When He entered Jerusalem they put down palm leaves and shouted hosannas when they saw him. We read about the woman who washed his feet, and dried them with her hair, a very personal expression of her devotion. The question was then posed to the class, "How can we worship the Savior better?" and there were some good answers given. We can think on the sacrament more deeply, we can be more reverent in the chapel. We can be on time and sit a moment quietly contemplating. We can attend the temple, and we can serve one another. Then Brother Taylor, in complete candor and honesty, said that he wished he could worship better, that sometimes he felt he lacked a way to show the love and gratitude that he feels in his heart. More people offered that serving is the way we show our love, that giving of our time and means is the way we give honor to him. Some said we could be more diligent in our prayers. Others said that there are opportunities to serve everywhere.
I felt for him, as he sat quietly listening to people talk. There seemed to be a sadness in his eyes. I think I know what he was trying to say. I consciously limit my comments to one per class, and this was where I chose to use it. When it was my turn I said that when Dallin Oakes was here last year, we all made a point to be where he was. We got to the building very early, we couldn't wait to see him, to shake his hand if possible. Think of the sacrifices we were willing to make to share time with him. He is an apostle of the Lord, who walks and talks to prophets. Just that connection makes us want to be near him. I said sometimes I wish I could get a glance of the Savior too, and be the one to wash his feet with my tears,and dry them with my hair.
What we'd give to touch his robe, to give him a drink of water, to feed him bread! Yes, I understand that the closest we'll get to it in this life is to 'do it unto the least of these, our brethren'. I understand 'he has no hands but ours'. I get that service is our expression of faithful devotion. But sometimes there is an ache, a sadness, perhaps a kind of loneliness that washes over us. I think perhaps it is our homesick spirit wishing for the associations we once had with loved ones, our Father, and our Savior. We have left a home we knew long, and loved well. I felt Brother Taylor's sweet spirit just yearning for a way to express to Jesus Christ his great appreciation for his sacrifices. Maybe he and I just need to bolster our faith that He knows when we serve our brothers and sisters that we are thanking him, but I think he knows we'd all love to say thanks in person, too. Guess we'll just have to do our best here, and wait with rejoicing for another day and time for that.
