As I entered the Stake Center last night - in preparation for the Priesthood Session of General Conference - I took an aisle seat on the the first row of chairs in the overflow area. To my left - across the aisle - sat a young man in a wheel chair. I believe his name was Donnie. As I glanced at him, I noticed that he was severely handicapped - unable to speak normally or control his limbs. To communicate with his father, he struggled to sound words in the back of his throat and move his hands abruptly. My first inclination was to move to a different seat - and then the spirit prompted me otherwise as I received a clear assurance that I was not sitting there by chance.
Throughout the meeting at the conclusion of each address - he uttered a recognizable "Amen" and when President Monson approached the pulpit he reached out with beckoning gestures and attempted to speak. His vocalizations were a bit distracting to a few brethren sitting nearby but their looks and expressions suggested compassion and understanding.
As the meeting concluded - because of where I was parked - I thought to join several fathers and sons who stood to leave during the closing hymn, but then felt compelled to remain.
During the closing prayer - the spirit spoke to me regarding the young man in the wheel chair. I came to understand with clarity that Donnie was completely innocent before the Lord. The spirit whispered to me that I was sitting next to a pure and holy individual - and that it was my privilege to sit there last night.
As the benediction concluded, I felt prompted to wait a few minutes longer and share my feelings with with Donnie's father. As nearby well wishers shook hands and cleared the area - I moved toward Donnie, placed my hand on his shoulder and briefly expressed my observations to his father who was preparing to push his wheelchair. As I did so, Donnie reached out, grabbed my jacket in his right hand, held tight and looked into my eyes. He held on for several seconds as emotions burned strongly inside whereupon I remembered that some trials and afflictions though difficult to bare, may be camouflaged gifts of a celestial nature.
I don't know the full purpose of that simple lesson - but the overall experience will remain with me forever. God lives and his mercies are as infinite as His Son's atonement.
Our Eternal Family ~
2 comments:
Thanks Dad for sharing that story and what a neat experience for you.
We have 3 very special spirits in our ward, brothers with Down syndrome. The Mattoon family adopted them and they sometimes come to Primary. I love seeing there happy faces when the children sing. They are so sweet and I know they are very close and precious our Savior.
Dad, I really appreciated you sharing that experience. That is really awesome! I believe that these special spirits are here to teach us many good lessons about life. One lesson I am learning from them is, my problems and weaknesses, big or small, should not keep me from doing everything I can to use my life and talents to serve others; especially knowing that I don't have any physical or mental handicap to keep me from doing many good things. Plus it helps me to complain less and be more positive about life. I know these valiant people are so good and so many of them truly live life in such positive, happy and fulfilling ways. No matter their handicap so many of them take every opportunity to use their talents for good and live truly happy lives. Love, ChrissybugandCrew
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