Better Things Yet to Come

There was once a young man who did not understand the importance of practicing the piano. When his parents insisted, he practiced. He wasn’t always happy about it, but always obeyed. Later in his life, while sharing his musical talent, his mother helped him see how practicing the piano blessed him and others. Practicing now is like preparing for better things yet to come. The challenge is to see the future benefits of our actions.

The Saints in Puerto Rico took this perspective when, a year ago, many members joined event coordinators, Hector Alvarez and his wife, Amarilis Santiago, to prepare the events leading up to the open house of the San Juan Puerto Rico Temple. Many conversations focused on the preparations for that anticipated day. Volunteers stepped up to serve in whatever capacity the coordinators needed. Through this service many seeds of faith were planted, and diligence and hope sprang forth.

Did everyone understand all the benefits of their actions? They were there to serve others, but did they realize the benefits they gained?

Alma taught the humbled people that if they planted that seed of faith, it would begin to swell within them, and the Spirit would testify by enlightening their understanding. It would begin to be delicious to them, (See Alma 32:28, 42–43.)

The members surrounding the San Juan Puerto Rico Temple exercised their faith, and like those people of Alma’s time, they were uplifted. Their actions allowed them a glimpse of the Lord’s perspective during their service at the open house. Now their passion for the temple fuels them to continue to be close to the temple. They recognized the blessings they were receiving and prepared themselves to be ordinance workers in the temple. It is important to know that our prayers, daily scripture reading, diligently attending our meetings, serving others, and working in the temple create relationships with our Heavenly Father and Jesus and prepare us for better things yet to come. This is Their plan for all of us.