I grew up in a family that consistently observed the Sabbath day. I was taught the commandment of keeping the Sabbath day holy through appropriate activities and church attendance. I was told about the creation and how God rested on the Sabbath day, just as we should use it as a day of rest and spiritual rejuvenation. To this day, I believe in the importance of keeping the Sabbath day holy. However, this week I was reminded about the true reason for Sabbath day worship, and I was a little ashamed that I had lost sight of the reason behind it all. My professor, Brother Griffin, discussed how the Sabbath day is a day of celebrating and commemorating. Before Christ, they celebrated the most miraculous and important event known to man, the creation. After Christ, we now celebrate the Resurrection of our Savior, which is the most magnificent, redeeming event in all existence. Our Sunday meetings and Sabbath observance are to help us remember and review the Savior's life, death, and resurrection. Everything should point to the savior and his sacrifice for us.

I like Sundays, but I had forgotten their importance. It had become a day to go to my three hour block, not do homework, and to just relax. All of which are good things, but they should be accompanied with earnest effort to open my heart to my Savior. Resting is not the same as slacking off and vegging out. We are supposed to rest from our labors, the things that are burdening us, by turning to the Savior and letting Him lift our burdens for us. Last night I was able to experience the lifting power of Christ in my life. I was feeling extreme anxiety about my first exam review. I felt almost sick with worry, and I couldn't get it off my mind. I did not think I was going to be able to sleep, I felt so awful. Then I found a book I had made last summer, filled with all my favorite quotes. Below is one of the quotes I read from President Hinkley.

We know not what lies ahead of us. We know not what the coming days will bring. We live in a world of uncertainty. For some, there will be great accomplishment. For others, disappointment. For some, much of rejoicing and gladness, good health, and gracious living. For others, perhaps sickness and a measure of sorrow. We do not know. But one thing we do know. Like the polar star in the heavens, regardless of what the future holds, there stands the Redeemer of the world, the Son of God, certain and sure as the anchor of our immortal lives. He is the rock of our salvation, our strength, our comfort, the very focus of our faith. In sunshine and in shadow we look to Him, and He is there to assure and smile upon us.

This was so comforting to me. I literally could feel the stress, and anxiety I had been holding onto all evening melt away. The sure knowledge that the Savior lives, loves me, and wants to help me with any problem I may be having helps me to keep perspective. I hope to work harder to take advantage of my Sundays, that I realign my priorities with the Lord and truly rest from my labors.