A wonderful blessing today:
I had the occasion to teach the young men today, and our topic was "Faith in Jesus Christ." Part of our lesson was to read and discuss the fight between David and Goliath. In 1 Samuel 17:40, we read that David picked up five smooth stones to use with his sling.
We discussed the rest of the story. I wanted to apply it to our lives, equating Goliath to any challenge or obstacle we face. Spontaneously I asked our bishop about his work with members who face "Goliaths," or in other words, challenges or obstacles. I asked him: What is the difference between those members who successfully overcome their challenges versus those who don't? His answer: the successful ones do five things:
1) study the scriptures daily
2) pray daily
3) attend church regularly
4) attend the temple regularly
5) hold Family Home Evening regularly
On the spot, it came together in my mind. The five smooth stones David picked up have symbolic significance. They can represent the five things the bishop mentioned that help members overcome challenges or obstacles. If we are to conquer our Goliaths, we need those five stones in our pouch.
This was a spiritual experience for me. Unplanned for. Unanticipated. Wonderful.
