What it Means to "Keep" the Commandments

I'm studying the scriptures and Preach My Gospel in Spanish this morning, and I thought it was very interesting how the verb "guardar" is used.

In Doctrine and Covenants 109:22, when it translates "thine angels have charge over them," it uses these words: "y tus angeles los guarden."

I love that thought--angels guarding me, taking care of me, watching out for me.

And then in Preach My Gospel (page 129) it says, "se espera de usted que guarde los mandamientos," which means that "you are expected to keep the commandments."

I always thought of "keeping" the commandments as obeying them--as having an obligation to do what's right, whether you want to or not.  (Not that I don't want to keep them . . . but I thought of it in the same way as "Mind your manners!")

But this verb changes the way I think about it.  What if we were to really "guard" the commandments?  It becomes a special charge.

Synonyms for "guardar" include "treasure, preserve, hold on to."

Today I'm going to think about that more.  I'm going to ask the Lord what I can do to better "treasure" His commandments.

And I'm going to teach my children to do likewise.

I felt such a beautiful Spirit as I studied these things today.  I have my new Spanish scriptures, and I am starting to mark my favorite verses and annotate in Spanish.

My heart is full of love for God.  He is so, so good to us.  And I want to do all I can to serve Him.