Ask.

This weekend my daughter had her first track meet invite of her senior year.  She did truly awesome - bringing home four medals and achieving one Personal Record, so of course we are very proud parents :)

By the way, she hates this picture, but it's one of my favorites....

Yesterday, on the way to church, I was asking about her meet - it was one of the few I couldn't go to, so I wanted the run-down.  Turns out, she had a major issue with seasonal discomfort - at one point, she was crying. Apparently, she was sneezing and eyes were itching, and...it was horrible for her.   She has a full arsenal of essential oils and tools at her disposal in her track bag, but just didn't know which ones to use. She was truly uncomfortable, at one point in pain...and she couldn't figure out how to help herself. So, instead of asking for help - calling me or sending a message to see what she could do to find some comfort or relief...she suffered instead.

As I reflected on her experience, I began to think about my own life, and the number of times I've done the same thing. There have been times where I have been terrified, depressed, spiritually dark, or questioned something of importance...there have been times when I faced a choice, had a big decision to make, or needed strength and guidance.  Even though, in those times, I had all the tools available to me - my scriptures, priesthood leaders, prayer...I did not use them.  I suffered instead.

The mutual theme this year is such a sweet blessing and a tender mercy.

"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."  (James 1:5)

It seems such a simple concept - and at the same time such a hard one to implement.

The reason my daughter didn't call me is she worried I'd make fun of her, or get angry that she hadn't listened to my instructions on how to use her tools.

The reason I often don't go to the Lord in prayer to help with our basic questions or needs is that I fear that He may not want to listen to something so trivial - or He'd be angry at something more serious.

Both assumptions are equally false - both assumptions are given to us by Satan.

Ask of God. Upbraideth Not. It shall be given.

It's that simple.

"But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.  For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed." (James 1:6)

Just ask.  Don't fear.  Don't waver.  Don't let anyone elses' view affect your faith.  If you go to the Lord with a humble heart and faith that you will receive comfort and peace...you will.

Ask in Faith. Don't give up.

The mutual theme this year is one small pure and simple truth that helps build testimony and strengthen the youth. The amazing thing is - it's not just for the youth.  It's for me. For you.  For anyone, of any age.

Choose not to suffer. Choose to find peace.  Ask and it shall be given.