Hamburger

 

It's important to me that I not deny the Holy Ghost.  I don't always follow promptings promptly, but one thing I refuse to do.  I refuse to forget those sacred times, moments when I've felt the Spirit guiding or teaching me.

This story is one.  In the 1970's, we housewives had all the conveniences of electricity and indoor plumbing in our kitchens--but not yet microwaves.  We kept a supply of food in our freezers, as one does.  However, to prepare dinner we had to plan ahead, getting frozen meat out early in the day so it would be ready to cook when the time came.

When we moved our little family to Riverside, I was called as a counselor in the Primary in our new Ward, in a new presidency. Primary met after school. It was a workout, getting the little ones ready, picking up school children, driving to the Church to set up.  By the time we were done and drove home, we would all be tired and hungry.

On this Primary day, one of our first, I wanted everything to go right, so I knelt and prayed for our Primary.  I prayed for our teachers, for the children that they wouldn't be afraid, for the rides as everyone got picked up--every single Primary possibility I could think of. Then I asked, "Is there anything for this Primary day that I haven't thought of?"

The Spirit came to me in clear, unmistakable words:  "Thaw the hamburger."

One might suppose this came as I searched my mind for all eventualities, but no. My focus and prayer were on the Primary meeting, 100%, and not in the least bit on what would follow--certainly not at all on my family or their needs.

I felt loved and helped that day, but I also learned.  It's good to do our callings with all our hearts, but our families will not cease to be our main priority.  So, yes, in future I prayed for my callings, but at the same time for my Main Calling.

Most important to me was the reminder that sincere prayers are answered.