"Then Shall Thy Confidence Wax Strong."

The other night after returning from Blackfoot where we met Hayden and Madeleine for an enjoyable walk and supper together at Rupe's, Boston asked me to join him on the trampoline as Gordon turned the sprinklers off for the night.  It was late and the stars were out.  After positioning myself next to Boston on the trampoline  I looked up into the night sky and watched a small shiny satelite  glide slowly through a myriad of stars across the sky towards the horizon.  "I want to tell you my worries." Boston said as I lay next to him. I could feel my jaw tensing in anticipation of what was to come; school, football, friends.  All these topics carried with them challenges and I could only guess what they would be. "What are they?" I asked bracing myself a little. 

 

 "How am I going to make enough money to support a family?" He asked.  It was even bigger and deeper than I imagined.  

 

Up to this point in my life I have never had to support a family financially or worry about the complex system of coming up with money for insurance,  a mortgage, food, car payments or even money to pick up the tab at Rupe's in Blackfoot.  What could I say to a young man who would, in a couple of years, shoulder the financial responsibiltiy of college, a mission and eventual marriage and family? 

 

As I looked up into the vast expanse of space billowing out into endless time, the Law of Tithing came to mind: "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it."(Malachi 3:10)    Was this the answer to Boston's question? 

 

 From the first dollar I made as a child cleaning house, babysitting and sorting potatoes it's been impressed on my mind from my parents and grandparents the importance of giving 1/10 of all I earn.  As a little girl, I once left my tithing, consisting of thirty pennies, on the bench during church.  When I came back and found them gone I was about to shrug it off. But Aunt Donette Young who was standing next to me when I made my discovery was upset. She opened her purse, pulled out 3 dimes, and told me to give them to the bishop.  While I was confused at who's money was really going to the Lord, I sensed from her that paying tithing was important. 

 

Lying there on the trampoline with Boston looking up into the night sky it was clear to me that the great burden of providing may be divinely lifted through the Law of Tithing.The inspiration, opportunities and confidence needed to carry on the work of each individual will come regardless of their station, whether provider or provender (those making sure the food is prepared and served (which would probably be me).  Taking one tenth of our increase and giving it back to the Lord may afford abundent blessing for anyone willing to observed the Lord's law. 

 

His next question:  "How do I get girls to like me?"   Hmmm...let me see...for that one?  "Let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly. Then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God." (D&C 121:45).

 

I love each of you.  Love Paula