When I was a child, my dad was not home often because he was busy running a business. I ironed his shirts and polished his shoes to help him. He patiently taught me how to care for his shoes and make them shine beautifully. My mom taught me exactly how to use the iron carefully and sew on the buttons when they fell off.
Even though I could spend a limited time with my dad because of his busy work schedule, I always recalled having a close relationship with him. I could feel his sacrifice and love while polishing his shoes as he worked hard to support our family. Doing the work with joy was the way I expressed my love and I felt closer to him.
Even though I was young and lacked ability, my dad let me do the work for him instead of having someone else do the work. He took pride in wearing the shoes and shirts prepared by his own daughter and often complimented me on my work, saying, “My shoes look shiny these days!” Helping him wasn’t a great work but an important mission because it was for my dad who worked hard for me to have a good life.
This story from my childhood reminded me of the gospel work that I am entrusted with, and I felt sorry to God. Heavenly Father made known all the truth of the Bible, and Heavenly Mother leads me by showing me exactly what to do. However, when I first started participating in the gospel work, I felt burdened, worried, and hesitant. I often made excuses, thinking I was too busy or too weak. I thought it was too hard to preach the Gospel and study God’s word. I also thought, ‘Do Father and Mother love even me?’ and feared. I longed to feel more of God’s love, but did not know how.
Now I give thanks to God Elohim for revealing Their love to me through this beautiful childhood memory with my dad. The opportunity to participate in the Gospel was God’s love for me. Even though I am lacking in ability, God allowed me to do the work because I am Their daughter. From now on, I will make more effort to be a filial daughter and express my love to Heavenly Parents through the work of the Gospel. Boasting about Heavenly Father and Mother, I will prepare a beautiful garment that Mother can wear all the way to the Kingdom of Heaven.