When I contemplate my patriarchal blessing, I look upon it as a valued and integral part of who I am. It is a private comfort for times of trial, a guide in times of choice, and a shout of victory in times of triumph. I carry it with me in my scriptures, and turn to it just as often as the standard works when searching for an answer. Sometimes, if the day has been long, and I can’t gather energy enough to read verses written in intricate and archaic language, I pull out my blessing and peruse its contents as my daily enlightenment. There are lines that I practically have memorized, and others that I rediscover each time I read it. Each word is perfectly chosen to strike my heart with joy and dedication to the Lord.
Although the Doctrine and Covenants comes from the same divine source as my blessing, it does not have the same personal significance to me. The revelations laid out in the Doctrine and Covenants are given to specific people, but contain direction to the church in all times and places. To me, these revelations are important direction for my life, but are not as personally motivating. Some of the revelations were originally personal blessing to individuals, but now they are public, church-wide material that can benefit all saints. Some commands and blessings are time sensitive, and more akin to patriarchal blessings. These parts can show me how to apply my blessing, but do not offer any direct advice. Other parts lay out the doctrine or teachings of the gospel. I often rely on these verses to guide my daily actions.
My patriarchal blessing is very important to me. I rely on it for guidance and consider it a road map to my entire life. Its contents are often too general for a situation though, so I use the Doctrine and Covenants and other scriptures to supplement my decision making. Both are revelations from God, and as such are just and true. The teachings contained both in canonized scripture and my personal blessing can help me choose a path that leads to exaltation. As I study them both, I receive further inspiration from heaven that guides my actions. If I balance my reliance on several types of revelation, I will thrive and bring God’s glory into my life. Personal revelation and public scripture are formative articles in my life, but neither is a complete guide and instruction for me. Together, the two can help me in any struggle I may face in life.
