Scripture Geek

Day fifty-four

I woke up this morning in hopes of seeing some snow, and the Lord did not disappoint, it snowed, but it didn't stick.  I'm not sure what it is about snow that makes everything seem so much more beautiful.  It always makes me smile to see snow falling, it just seems so magical.  I am still hopeful that we will get some snow that sticks.  In the meantime, I am happy to watch the snow fall from the sky and recognize the beauty that God creates.  My prayer was one of gratitude this morning for such beautiful things in nature like snow.  I am so grateful to see God in the world around me and feel the Spirit in all His creations.  What a great blessing!

I finished the Book of Moses yesterday, so I moved on to the Book of Abraham chapter one.  I only got two verses in, when I realized that I share some common traits with Abraham. We both are looking for greater happiness, peace, and rest; we both have 'a desire to be one who possesses great knowledge', we both have a desire to receive the blessings of the priesthood, to be a greater follower in righteousness, and we both desire to receive instructions. (Abraham 1:2)

I am nowhere near the spiritual level of Abraham, but I do desire to be like him in his faith and obedience, and I share his thirst for knowledge and blessings. 

As I researched this verse I came across a quote from Elder Neal A. Maxwell:

“The true disciple has an inborn questioning to know, personally, all that God is willing to teach us...Abraham sought, even though he had a father who had turned from the faith, ‘for greater happiness and peace’ and ‘for mine appointment unto the Priesthood.’ (Abraham 1:2, 4.) Abraham described himself as desiring ‘great knowledge, and to be a greater follower of righteousness’ (Abraham 1:2 ), questing for the word of Christ. Divine discontent in the form of promptings can move us to feast because we know that by feasting we can increase our knowledge, effectiveness, and joy” (Wherefore, Ye Must Press Forward [1977], 119).

I like the term 'divine discontent', it describes how I often feel about studying the scriptures.  If a verse contains something that prompts me to dig deeper, I have to do it.  I have to know.  Because of this drive to know more and to be spiritually fed, I have learned to turn to the scriptures to find answers that I seek, and my testimony that God knows me personally has increased.  My ability to share the gospel with more confidence is improving and my desire for others to find the happiness and peace from the scriptures for themselves has grown.

Now, my crazy need for more knowledge (as it has been described), isn't always met with flattering responses.  I have been called a "scripture geek" , a "scripture nerd", even a "scripture freak".  I'm okay with that.  After reading about Abraham I think I am in good company.