Jonathan flopped his large, stocky frame down on the old tan sofa after church, and let out a sigh. Sundays could be so tedious. Even television got boring after a few hours.
He picked up his phone, and went to the Gospel Library Mobile app, and was thumbing through older talks by President Nelson and saw one called "the Sabbath is a delight," and decided to take a look at that. As he read, he saw something that caught his interest. President Nelson said,
"I learned from the scriptures that my conduct and my attitude on the Sabbath constituted a sign between me and my Heavenly Father. With that understanding, I no longer needed lists of dos and don’ts. When I had to make a decision whether or not an activity was appropriate for the Sabbath, I simply asked myself, “What sign do I want to give to God?” That question made my choices about the Sabbath day crystal clear."
Jonathan thought about it, and felt the spirit gently encourage him to keep reading. He was glad he did, because there was something he had missed that would change his life:
"In addition to time with family, you can experience true delight on the Sabbath from family history work. Searching for and finding family members who have preceded you on earth—those who did not have an opportunity to accept the gospel while here—can bring immense joy.
I have seen this firsthand. Several years ago, my dear wife Wendy determined to learn how to do family history research. Her progress at first was slow, but little by little she learned how easy it is to do this sacred work. And I have never seen her happier. You too need not travel to other countries or even to a family history center. At home, with the aid of a computer or mobile device, you can identify souls who are yearning for their ordinances. Make the Sabbath a delight by finding your ancestors and liberating them from spirit prison!"
A calm peace settled over Jonathan. He didn't know how he was going to do it, but he knew he needed to get started on Family History.
He shook his blonde head in disbelief. He knew absolutely nothing about Family History. How could he get started? He had downloaded the Family Tree Mobile App a long time ago as a part of a church class, but hadn't opened it yet.
After opening it, he tapped the 3 lines, and then saw something that said "help," and then called the number. He shifted in his chair, and as his mom walked past, sandy brown hair bobbing, he could see in her face a puzzled look that showed she had questions about what he was doing.
But she started smiling from the brown armchair she had folded her knees cross legged into when she heard him start speaking to a Brother Moore with Family Search. She had prayed he might find something to get him more involved in the gospel, and as moisture came to her eyes, she felt some hope for her son.
Ten minutes later, Jonathan got off the phone, and started on the App. His mom by this time had slowly stepped into the next room, her lined hand patting his broad shoulder as she did.
An hour later, after reviewing several of the "ancestors with tasks" section, he finally found a record that added new family to his family tree! They were from different posterity lines, but he could reserve the names! His blue-hazel eyes brightened.
As he reserved the names, unseen but in the same room, 3 spirits and their guide watched him do that. Hank, Allen, and their sister Elaine looked at each other excitedly, knowing their work would be done. They had waited years for this! The church was in its infancy when they were alive, and they had never heard it taught, only rumors. Here in the spirit world, they had felt the spirit of the Lord testify of the truth of the gospel, and knew. But they had to wait many years before they could have someone baptized for them.
Jonathan felt a peace, and a connection to the Savior that was undeniable. He had never spent a more meaningful Sabbath in his life. Little did he know how much of this joyful work he would do over his lifetime.
As President Nelson had said, The Sabbath Truly is a Delight, and Jon felt like the sign he gave the Lord today was accepted of him.
Begin your story on the Family Tree Mobile App or the Family Search Website. You may also view tips on getting started, woven into inspirational stories on this blog.
Now here is a very short video of some of the prophet's statements above, and real stories of people who are finding joy in this work of Salvation.
Picture is the Phoenix, Arizona Temple, courtesy of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Media Library
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