The Atonement

I discovered through my journey this week that I have a lot to learn.  I had a really hard time with my scripture reading this week. I didn't understand what I was supposed to be getting out of it.  I soon discovered through a conversation with a family member who is also in Pathway, that I was not the only one.  She also struggled to find deeper meaning to our scripture study this week.  As we were talking, I realized that my testimony of the Atonement is a "Primary" testimony.  I am a primary teacher and have been for most of my adult life.  The way I teach my primary children about the Atonement is the way I understand it.  I know that without the Savior, I could not be forgiven for my sins.  I know that he took on all of the heartache, pain (both physical and mental), and mistakes I have made and will continue to make in my life. I know that Heavenly Father loved me enough to create a plan that would allow Jesus to make up the difference for all of my shortcomings after all I can do.

I really liked in 2 Nephi 9 where Jacob is explaining what it would be like without the Atonement. Then in verse 10 he says, "O how great the goodness of our God, who prepareth a way for our escape from the grasp of this awful monster; yea, that monster, death and hell." That is exactly how I felt even before I read it.  I was thinking about how awful it sounded to "crumble to its mother earth, to rise no more."

I may not have understood everything that I was supposed to for this week but I do know that I have a testimony of the Atonement, as simple as it may be.  I know that without it, I would never be able to make up the difference for what I lack.  I love my Savior and all that he has done for me.  I am truly grateful for my knowledge of the gospel.