The Holy Ghost

We have been taught that we are all given gifts of the Spirit.  Some people understand, comprehend and are able to teach the scriptures to others.  Some have a gift for language and are able to speak another language fluently and communicate gospel principles or they have the ability to move others in their native language because of the heartfelt way in which they speak.  These are just a couple of examples of what we call gifts of the Spirit.  

Me?  I think one of the gifts I have been given is the ability to feel the Spirit strongly.  It took me a long time to realize that not everyone feels it the way I do.  For me, it is such an integral part of my life that it is like breathing.

In the institute manual for the New Testament it says "The gift of the Holy Ghost adapts itself to all these organs or attributes. It quickens all the intellectual faculties, increases, enlarges, expands and purifies all the natural passions and affections; and adapts them by the gift of wisdom, to their lawful use. It inspires, develops, cultivates and matures all the fine tuned sympathies, joys, tastes, kindred feelings and affections of our nature. It inspires virtue, kindness, goodness, tenderness, gentleness and charity. It develops beauty of person, form and features. It tends to health, vigor, animation and social feeling. It invigorates all the faculties of the physical and intellectual man. It strengthens, and gives tone to the nerves. In short, it is, as it were, marrow to the bone, joy to the heart, light to the eyes, music to the ears and life to the whole being." (The Life and Teachings of Jesus and His Apostles, pp. 168)

As I read that paragraph I couldn't think of a better way to describe the many ways that the Spirit works in my heart.  I have had countless times where it has inspired me to find an answer I desperately needed.  It has led me to call a friend in need. It has inspired me to offer a kind word, put aside my anger and serve others.  At all times the Holy Ghost helps me to grow and be uplifted.  It helps me to put aside feelings of anger or frustration and allows me to see things from a different perspective.

I am so incredibly grateful for the companionship of the Holy Ghost and the peace and comfort it brings to my heart.