Rocks in the Well

I found this picture when I was on create.lds.org. The picture captured my attention, and then I read the story to go with it:

"The story behind this photo is quite simple. This little guy (name unknown) was having quite a time throwing rocks and fall leaves into this wishing well. He'd pick up a handful, deposit them into the well, and immediately start hunting for more. He seemed to understand the concept of dropping things in. Maybe in lieu of money he used what was at his disposal. Maybe he was wishing for a new toy, and maybe he realized that it was worth a try anyway, even if his contributions were from off the ground. Children are amazing."

I have to agree with the artist- children are amazing. Here is what I learned from "this little guy."

He didn't seem to know the true value or purpose for the wishing well, but he had watched others throw things in and make wishes, so he used his knowledge and observations to make good use of the well. And he was persistent in his efforts! He had hope that his wish would come true and his work wouldn't be for nothing.

Constantly through our actions and prayers and service, we are depositing all we know into Heavenly Father's wishing well. But will we truly know the value? The only thing we can do is put in everything we have. For some miraculous reason, the blessings we receive are of far more worth than  the rocks and fall leaves we put in. 

Elder D. Todd Christofferson, an apostle of the Lord, visited the Nashville area this last weekend. As missionaries, we had the very unique opportunity to ask questions and hear him give us council. The meeting was strictly missionaries only. One of the last things he said to us was something that had never before crossed my mind. He us that we must not, he said "Don't you dare", return from our missions thinking that the Lord owes us something for our service. We came here indebted to Him, and we return home even deeper in debt. 

I pray that on our journey to our Heavenly home, that we may ever be grateful for all the blessings we receive from the hand of Heavenly Father.

Have an action-packed day!

-Sister Franson