Elder Joseph B Wirthlin speaks about defining moments in his talk “Life’s Lessons Learned.” His examples made me start thinking about my own defining moments in life. I have had quite a few. As I look back on these moments I have realized that they are moments when my testimony became solid are certain issues in the gospel, and as I have faced trials again I can look back at those moments and receive strength from them.
It is important to take time to recognize these moments and record them in your journal. Elder Wirthlin said that you often do not recognize them until some time has passed. I agree that I do not recognize the impact of these moments until time has passed, and I see the path that my choices and experiences have sent me down. However for me they are almost always moments when I am faced with a decision—generally to follow a gospel principle or not to follow it. The spirit comes and bears witness of the principle after I have made the correct decision.
One example of this happened to me in high school. I was a waitress at an ice cream parlor and decided to quit my job suddenly. I received my last check, but I did not set aside my tithing money. It occurred to me that I still needed to pay tithing. I prayed about what to do. Soon after that my manager called and asked if I could pick up an extra shift. I agreed, knowing that I would use the money to pay my tithing. In the two hours I worked I made exactly enough to pay my tithing on my previous paycheck, and on the money I made to pay my tithing. Since this experience I have never doubted the blessings that come with paying your tithing.
Through my defining moments I have gained a strong testimony of the love that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have for each one of us. I know that it is through Christ’s Atonement that we will all be able to be resurrected. I am grateful for the strength that my testimony gives me as I continue to face the trials in my life.
Related Articles:
General Conference: “Life’s Lessons Learned”