I Perceive That Thou Art…Quick to Observe – Mormon 1:2-5

2 And about the time that Ammaron hid up the records unto the Lord, he came unto me, (I being about ten years of age, and I began to be learned somewhat after the manner of the learning of my people) and Ammaron said unto me: I perceive that thou art a sober child, and art quick to observe;
3 Therefore, when ye are about twenty and four years old I would that ye should remember the things that ye have observed concerning this people; and when ye are of that age go to the land Antum, unto a hill which shall be called Shim; and there have I deposited unto the Lord all the sacred engravings concerning this people.
4 And behold, ye shall take the plates of Nephi unto yourself, and the remainder shall ye leave in the place where they are; and ye shall engrave on the plates of Nephi all the things that ye have observed concerning this people.
5 And I, Mormon, being a descendant of Nephi, (and my father’s name was Mormon) I remembered the things which Ammaron commanded me.

Ammaron entrusted Mormon with the sacred records because of two qualities which Mormon possessed: he was sober, and he was quick to observe. I think it’s impressive that Ammaron was perceptive enough to notice these qualities in a 10-year old boy, and that he was willing to trust a young man with such an important assignment.
In 2005, David A. Bednar gave a talk at Brigham Young University entitled “Quick to Observe.” He pointed out that the word observe has two main meanings: “to notice” and “to obey.” A person who is quick to observe will see what needs to be done and will promptly do it. As an example, he shared the following about his wife:

Before attending her sacrament meetings, Sister Bednar frequently prays for the spiritual eyes to see those who have a need. Often as she observes the brothers and sisters and children in the congregation, she will feel a spiritual nudge to visit with or make a phone call to a particular person. And when Sister Bednar receives such an impression, she promptly responds and obeys. It often is the case that as soon as the “amen” is spoken in the benediction, she will talk with a teenager or hug a sister or, upon returning home, immediately pick up the phone and make a call. As long as I have known Sister Bednar, people have marveled at her capacity to discern and respond to their needs. Often they will ask her, “How did you know?” The spiritual gift of being quick to observe has enabled her to see and to act promptly and has been a great blessing in the lives of many people (“Quick to Observe,” BYU Speeches, May 10, 2005).

This weekend, particularly as I attend my church services tomorrow, I will seek for this gift. I will follow Sister Bednar’s example by seeking to know whom I can serve and then serving them when the opportunity arises.

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