For Thy Sake

I was in the Temple the other day and after Adam and Eve have partaken of the forbidden fruit, Heavenly Father states that the ground will be cursed for their sake. He states that the earth will bring forth thorns and thistles and noxious weeds. And that Adam, by the sweat of his brow, will eat bread all the days of his life.

Google defines sake as: in order to achieve or preserve; out of consideration for or in order to help someone.

I think that one of the best things that Heavenly Father is great at, is making the most out of absolutely any situation. He seems to ask himself the rhetorical question “What's great about this?”;) And proceeds to bring about great things. A cursing turned vehicle to bring about his eternal will. That is a perspective that I hope to incorporate more into my thought process and outlook on my own experiences and life.

Looking back on past experiences my eyes have been open to the type of story that I have written. One that portrayed me as a victim of my circumstances. Victim to my mind and dark train thinking. An object to be acted upon.

One thing that clicked in my mind while I was in the temple was that all these experiences I have are for my own sake. These weeds and thorns, these weaknesses and trials, they are meant to help me. Did I not shout for joy for these exact opportunities? I think that purpose is lost in the short-sightedness of day to day living.

And yet it is completely understandable to see that purpose become lost. This cursing is so very apparent and blatant. In the world. In our own lives. In the lives of those we love. Shoved in our faces at times.

These trials and pains are so very very noxious. A mother is taken from her young family. A nephew is killed in an accident. Suffocating thoughts of depression and anxiety. Seemingly unanswerable questions of why.

And so reflecting on my life experiences and of those around me I have seen that I’ve been attached to that word: cursed. I have downright refused to see the “for thy sake” moments.

“For behold, this is my work and my glory— to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.” (Moses 1:39)

“Know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.” (D&C 122:7)

How very grateful I am to have the knowledge that God is in control. The endless questions I have, the many mistakes I repeatedly make, coming up short in all areas of my life. I can bring him my pain, my mess, my broken pieces, my own and others I find on the way, that weigh on my heart. And I can leave them at the mercy seat. Knowing without a doubt that they shall be for my sake. Beauty for ashes.