Refining Our Faith

Dan and Tara Childs

Our lives were comfortable in California, with our construction business, a network of friends, and a ward and stake we had long served in. But we couldn't shake the feeling of stagnation as life eventually became routine. As we considered what changes to make over a few months, we felt an unexpected nudge to move back to Utah.

Making the decision to move was not easy. It meant leaving behind the known for the unknown, but it was a leap of faith we were willing to take. So we decided to shut my business down and come out here. We’ve seen the challenges (leaving behind work and friends) as well as opportunities (being close to the temple, feeling more drawn to family history work). But are grateful for all of it.

One of the most surprising lessons we’ve learned through this transition is the realization of how our relationship with Jesus Christ could deepen. Not that we didn’t have faith before, but this transition has been an opportunity for self-reflection and self-improvement. When you commit to getting to know Him better, it can be a wonderful and painful journey.

As it says in John 17:3, “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”

We’ve recognized our own flaws in more clear ways than in the past and seen a greater need for repentance. We’ve been able to recognize how we can move from a faith that, at times, has been rooted in duty to one more fully grounded in love and grace.

Utah has been different than where we’ve lived before. With so many strong members here, it can be easy to hide. We’ve had a chance to consider more authentically why we do what we do. And you can realize that you are your own worst problem. Questions that we’ve had a chance to explore more deeply include:

What do we really believe?

Why do we go to church?

Why do we go to the temple?

Are we acting out of love or duty?

This journey transformed our faith from a set of beliefs to a dynamic, evolving relationship with a loving God who is eager for us to learn and is full of grace when we make mistakes. Through all these changes, trials, and revelations, we’ve felt watched over. We knew that the Lord loves us and cares about us. We’re grateful for this experience to learn that faith is not static but a continuous response to the promptings of the Holy Ghost.

-Dan and Tara Childs