It started out as as just a chip in my windshield window. It was a mark caused by the smallest of rocks. The chip really was small enough that it could have been easily repaired without replacing the whole windshield. If you catch it in time, they can put in a little subtance that seals the chip so it doesn't spread any further. You really can't even see the chip after the repair.

But, I've been so busy and it seemed like such a little thing. I knew I could let it go for just a little while longer.

But, I waited too long.

What started out as a little chip, almost overnight spread to become a 3-foot long crack across the middle of the window.

UGH! How did it get to that? If I had taken care of it when it was just a little chip, it would have cost me $20 and maybe 10 minutes.

Now, I'm looking at $200 and an hour. Where am I going to find either?

I was driving with some young women in my ward on a recent activity night. One of them noticed the crack (well, of course she did! It's THREE FEET LONG!!) and asked how it happened. But it wasn't me that answered her; it was the Spirit.

And here is what the Spirit taught me and the girls in my car...

We all sin. Some of these sins are "small" or "private" and can be taken care of between us and the Lord. Some of them are bigger and might involve another person. We might need to apologize or make amends to them (like when you hurt someone's feelings or "help" spread a rumor about another girl at school). But, some sins are serious enough that we can't make things right without some additional help. For times like that, the Lord has given us good Bishops to talk to so they can help us make things right...repair the chip.

When you've done something serious enough to talk to the Bishop, you usually know it. Have you had the nagging feeling and the uneasiness that just won't leave? That feeling comes from the Spirit and helps you be unsettled enough that you'll take action. Be grateful for that feeling and don't ignore it.

That nagging unsettling feeling is like that little chip. If you humbly go to your Father in Heaven in prayer and ask Him to help you have the courage to talk to your Bishop, you can STOP further damage. You can "repair" the chip. You can even repair it so it can't be seen!

But, if you delay taking care of the sin, what was a little chip can become a much bigger crack (and, like my windshield, it seems to happen overnight). Sure, the windshield can still be repaired (or replaced), but it will end up costing you more...more pain, more time, more unsettled moments without the peace of the Spirit.

Is there a "chip" in your life? It might have been caused by the smallest of rocks (or mistakes). Have you talked to Heavenly Father about it? If you are still feeling that nagging...if it still feels like the chip hasn't quite been repaired, talk to your Bishop. Tell him your concerns. Let him help you fix that chip in your windshield before it becomes a much bigger crack.

I promise you won't even see that chip anymore...once it gets repaired.