It was while I was at the kitchen sink washing dishes that I received this insight. The water was filled with soap, and the dishes were thoroughly cleaned. Mind you, a few pots required some diligent scrubbing! Then, with clear, fresh, warm water, I would rinse them and set them aside to dry. They were squeaky clean and refreshed for next time.
Water is such a precious commodity. We use it in so many ways to clean, refresh and renew.
Water is used to clean dishes, clothes, walls, and countertops, as well as to nourish and clean the plants and animals that provide us with sustenance and life. Within hours, I will use water again to clean vegetables on that spotless counter before cutting them up to make supper. Then, I will have more dishes to wash with water.
A Water Cycle
Just as there is a cycle in nature that provides us with fresh water, there is also a cycle that helps us to become clean physically and spiritually.
Consider our opportunity to access the power of the Atonement through the sacrament and to renew our baptismal and other sacred covenants. Having authority from God, those who hold the priesthood serve us by blessing the bread and water. I have witnessed the care that these men and boys take to ensure that the cloth over the sacramental offerings is straight, the white colour representing purity and unity.
The sacrament prayers remind me that as I take the bread and water to my lips, I feel that He is with me. They symbolize the cleansing power of the atoning sacrifice of our Saviour.
“In partaking of the bread, we witness that we are willing to take upon us the name of Jesus Christ and always remember Him and keep His commandments. When we comply with this covenant, the Lord renews the cleansing effect of our baptism. We are made clean and can always have His Spirit to be with us.” (Dallin H. Oaks, “Special Witnesses of Christ,” [A one-hour program with members of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, 2000] Gospel Library)
My Sacramental Prayer
It’s been a rushed Sabbath morn.
Finally, my little one rests
While
Sacramental prayers are said.
My reflections on covenants deepen
As the blessed water spills,
Then trickles through my baby’s hand
held in mine.
May I raise this babe
To know, love, serve
And freely covenant with thee,
Lord.
Bless this babe
With needed trickles of enlightenment
Throughout life
That lead to eternal rest.
(Ellen Conrad, 1993)
Service is Also Cleansing
I find it significant that we receive the sacrament through the service of others. Just as the holders of the priesthood bless and pass the bread and water for us, we serve each other by passing along the sacrament tray to our neighbour. We likewise need to care for and serve our families, our wards and those in need.
It is during the sacrament that I have communed with God. I have silently shared my gratitude, prayed about my concerns and my fears and then listened. Most often, it is peace that surrounds me, and there are unforgettable times when answers and directions have come.
There was a time when we were busy caring for our babies, teenagers, and our farm and home. We were also caring for our aging and ill parents. As I sat during the sacrament in the spring of 1996, I wasn’t sure how to proceed with the care of my mother-in-law. I kept repeating to myself, “I’m not a nurse; I never wanted to be a nurse,” but under these circumstances, it was my role to be a nurse. Then I heard, no, I felt, what would ease the situation for our family: “Do not delay; obtain a hospital bed in your home to care for her.” Such a little thought led to monumental help for us.
We were all comforted during those last few months of her life. I enjoyed the time we had together, helping her walk and preparing her food. We would visit through the night when she couldn’t sleep and have an ice cream party. As I read the scriptures during that time, they brought solace to my mind and heart. In fact, this verse sang to me, “How beautiful are they to the eyes of them who there came to the knowledge of their Redeemer” (Mosiah 18:30). This reminded me that through the scriptures, I could draw closer to Him.
Lessons Leading to Sanctification
As we laid her to rest, I reflected that only a few months had passed since I had begun to take care of her. What learning and growth I had undergone! I was prepared by partaking of the sacrament and also receiving divine direction to do whatever was needed to care for them. I did receive direction. I witness that God was there for me and my family throughout the challenges we faced. I know He will be there for me, come what may. I had no idea that within a year, we would be privileged to care for my parents for a longer time- years, not months.
Through the waters of baptism, prayer, the sacrament, and service to others, we place our hand in the Saviour’s hand to meet the needs of those around us, as well as our own. When we take the opportunity to commune with our Saviour, moments of understanding and direction will come to us, and we can continue to draw closer to Him.
Observing the water cycle while doing the dishes that day helped me to realize the cleansing power of the sacrament and the blessing it is to serve others. “The well of living water the Savior offers us never runs dry and is pure and life-sustaining. When we come to Him with an empty cup, He will fill it, often beyond our capacity to receive. He is truly living water, a manifestation of the love of God” (Matthew Heaps, “Drinking Deeply of the Living Water,” Ensign, July 2011, 10).