This past weekend was General Conference, and, as always, someone mentioned something about using the Atonement every day. I have used the phrase "use the Atonement" myself, but never really thought about what it meant until a couple of days ago. What does it actually look like to "use the Atonement"? I've asked several people about it, and mostly received vague, broad answers--the kind that I could have given--no new thoughts or ideas.
For the last couple of days Trevor has been pretending with his play food--he has set up his own restaurant in our linen closet/sauna downstairs, and "makes" me food per my order. This morning all the boys got into it--they created a "Trevor dollar" currency and symbols, credit cards (complete with a balance sheet) and a menu with appetizers, drinks, main dishes and desserts (they almost had 'deserts', but I had Mason add the necessary 's').
I love when they play together like this, but this morning they really needed to get dressed, make beds, do WAR (writing, arithmetic & reading) and in general get ready for the day. I was about to open my mouth and remind them about these things when "the Spirit stoppeth mine utterance" and I remained silent. Them playing together so well and so happily was more important than getting started 30 minutes earlier. (Not to mention the spelling and math that were occurring as part of their play!)
When I was (finally) showering I started thinking: I need the Spirit to be with me because I am a much better person when I am receiving inspiration and revelation and reminders to take deep breaths or laugh or put myself on time out. Having the Holy Ghost as my constant companion, however, depends on my personal righteousness. And how do I remain righteous? Through repentance. And why is repentance possible? Because Jesus Christ paid the price of my sins.
So if I can feel the Spirit with me, I have used the Atonement. That is something measurable to me--something I can recognize, something I know how to do. I also know what to do to keep the Spirit with me. Not that I always do what I know, but at least I do know!
I'm looking forward to discovering more practical, measurable ways that I can--or already do--use the Atonement every day.
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