Enos

I still have time, so I'm going to read Enos. My baby is happily playing at my feet, making little bear noises, and the other two have run upstairs to play quietly--as I told them too. So, see, there are little miracles throughout the day that I should thank God for. Quiet moments such as these don't happen all the time, but I should accept them and be grateful for them. Plus, Enos is only one chapter...in light of my last thought of how I hope my children will continue my work...Enos seems to make a token effort...perhaps my opinion will change after I read this chapter. ;)

1 BEHOLD, it came to pass that I, Enos, knowing my father that he was a just man—for he taught me in his language, and also in the nurture and admonition of the Lord—and blessed be the name of my God for it—

(Book of Mormon | Enos 1:1)

He thanks God for his father...faults and all (see, he says he knows his dad was just a man).

2 And I will tell you of the wrestle which I had before God, before I received a remission of my sins.
(Book of Mormon | Enos 1:2)

He wrestled. It wasn't a short conversation, by any means. This was a good, long prayer, and I'll bet that Enos wasn't always feeling chipper.

3 Behold, I went to hunt beasts in the forests; and the words which I had often heard my father speak concerning eternal life, and the joy of the saints, sunk deep into my heart.
4 And my soul hungered; and I kneeled down before my Maker, and I cried unto him in mighty prayer and supplication for mine own soul; and all the day long did I cry unto him; yea, and when the night came I did still raise my voice high that it reached the heavens.
(Book of Mormon | Enos 1:3 - 4)

His conversion didn't happen right away, he wasn't a "saint" as a child or young man, but Jacob kept at it. Enos had to take his salvation into his own hands. A five year old cannot do that. I need to be patient, persist, and endure til he's an adult. We'll both make it, and it will pay off. It will be work.

6 And I, Enos, knew that God could not lie; wherefore, my guilt was swept away.
(Book of Mormon | Enos 1:6)

God cannot lie. So, why do I doubt when he says it's all going to work out? I feel his comfort during my prayers, but then still slip into a feeling of despair during the day. I'm either snippy or crying. Arrrgh! Why can't I just be normal?

15 Wherefore, I knowing that the Lord God was able to preserve our records, I cried unto him continually, for he had said unto me: Whatsoever thing ye shall ask in faith, believing that ye shall receive in the name of Christ, ye shall receive it.

(Book of Mormon | Enos 1:15)

This level of faith must be astonishing. Someday...

26 And I saw that I must soon go down to my grave, having been wrought upon by the power of God that I must preach and prophesy unto this people, and declare the word according to the truth which is in Christ. And I have declared it in all my days, and have rejoiced in it above that of the world.
27 And I soon go to the place of my rest, which is with my Redeemer; for I know that in him I shall rest. And I rejoice in the day when my mortal shall put on immortality, and shall stand before him; then shall I see his face with pleasure, and he will say unto me: Come unto me, ye blessed, there is a place prepared for you in the mansions of my Father. Amen.
(Book of Mormon | Enos 1:26 - 27)

Makes me wonder if this rest is the only real rest there is. If we are anxiously engaged in a good cause, will we always be exhausted?