Book of Mormon: Day 181: A Treasured Friendship

Today’s Reading: Alma 15:13-19

18 Now as I said, Alma having seen all these things, therefore he took Amulek and came over to the land of Zarahemla, and took him to his own house, and did administer unto him in his tribulations, and strengthened him in the Lord.

Have you been blessed to have a relationship like Alma and Amulek did? Have you had a friend who was your sister in the gospel, who strengthened you in your tribulations, someone you served, who served you in return? I have. In fact,  I’ve been blessed by many of these types of relationships; but let me tell you about one:

I first came to know Roberta as my internship adviser at BYU. Though age and position separated us, this fellow-Canadian and I became quick friends. As my adviser, she could have limited herself to administrative duties, but Roberta was one to go the extra mile. At each appointment Roberta would smile warmly and ask “how are you doing?” then she really listened and validated me. Her sincere, heartfelt compliments really boosted my self-esteem. I felt so genuinely loved. . . like I was in the presence of the Savior!

Because of the Spirit she emanated, I sought to be in her presence more often. Even after my internship ended, I came to her office just to visit. We bore testimony to each other. We shared gospel insights. She rejoiced in my triumphs–like when I started dating someone. And I rejoiced in her triumphs–like when she started dating someone after years of being widowed! We also shared in each other’s sorrows–like when my boyfriend and I broke up. . .and when she was diagnosed with cancer. In small and simple ways we nourished each other’s hearts. I was even blessed to be present for her wedding, a small ceremony with family and a few close friends.

Although I was aware that cancer was threatening her life, I had faith that she would survive and bless many more lives. I graduated from college and we stayed in touch, though not as much. Months went by and I told her I wanted to come visit. But marriage, pregnancy, and life in general got in the way and I didn’t visit. One day during my lunch break at work, I was finally getting around to contacting her. After failed attempts by email and phone, I started to get worried, so I googled her name and found . . .her obituary. I was devastated! I cried uncontrollably at my desk for a very long time. How I wished I had reached out to her sooner and served her in her time of need. How I yearned to be in her presence one more time so that we could bless each others’ lives. If only I could tell her that I loved her or at least attend her funeral. But it was too late.

Although I still mourn her loss 4 ½ years later, I am grateful for the gift of her friendship and the lessons I learned by knowing her:

•  Don’t let age differences get in the way Although Roberta was more than 40 years my senior, we were instruments in the hands of the Lord to lift and serve one another.

There is no age barrier when it comes to Christlike service -Bonnie L. Oscarson

• Service doesn’t have to be elaborate It was the simple things that made a world of difference–visits, hugs, and compliments.
• Let others serve you A big part of my joy came from feeling like I was helping Roberta. At times it might be hard to accept service from others, but remember that the giver will be blessed, you will be blessed, and your relationship will be strengthened.
• When a prompting comes to serve, don’t delay When the thought comes to help someone, do it quickly. You never know when that opportunity will pass.

Never suppress a generous thought –Camilla Kimball

I know that friendship and service are gifts from God to help enrich our lives. I hope that, like Alma and Amulek, we will strengthen each other in the Lord and cultivate beautiful relationships, born of service to one another.

Courtney Parker

After growing up in the bitter cold of Alberta Canada and serving a mission in the scalding heat of Tucson Arizona, I finally settled for the “moderate” climate of Utah. I met my best friend and love of my life at BYU where I received my degree in Marriage and Family Studies. I stay at home with my two little girls, teach marriage classes with my husband, and run an alumni Facebook group. I love to write, bake, travel, teach, and feast upon the words of Christ, but my favorite happy thought of all is going on weekly dates with my husband!