Most of us would be somewhat familiar with the scriptural warnings againt being a seeker of signs.

Mark 8: 11-12
11 And the Pharisees came forth, and began to question with him, seeking of him a sign from heaven, tempting him.
12 And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and saith, Why doth this generation seek after a sign? verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this generation.

Luke 11: 29
29 And when the people were gathered thick together, he began to say, This is an evil generation: they seek a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet.

D&C 46: 9
9 For verily I say unto you, they [gifts of the Holy Spirit] are given for the benefit of those who love me and keep all my commandments, and him that seeketh so to do; that all may be benefited that seek or that ask of me, that ask and not for a sign that they may consume it upon their lusts.

D&C 63: 7-12
7 And he that seeketh signs shall see signs, but not unto salvation.
8 Verily, I say unto you, there are those among you who seek signs, and there have been such even from the beginning;
9 But, behold, faith cometh not by signs, but signs follow those that believe.
10 Yea, signs come by faith, not by the will of men, nor as they please, but by the will of God.
11 Yea, signs come by faith, unto mighty works, for without faith no man pleaseth God; and with whom God is angry he is not well pleased; wherefore, unto such he showeth no signs, only in wrath unto their condemnation.
12 Wherefore, I, the Lord, am not pleased with those among you who have sought after signs and wonders for faith, and not for the good of men unto my glory.

Maybe my situation is different, though, because most of what I find here is about demanding signs of the reality of the living God, not necessarily signs intended for guidance in life. Maybe it’s not, and I’m looking to justify myself in what I’ve decided. I’m interested in your semi-biased opinion, dear reader, so I hope that you will share both your reaction and any experiences you feel comfortable sharing. (Bear in mind that lany lack of religious inclinations does NOT exempt you from leaving a comment, because I know you, dear reader, and you are respectful of me and my beliefs)

I’ve sought answers to questions in prayers since my very first attempts prior to my baptism. I’ve had so many times they were answered in unexpected ways, sometimes much much later than when I had originally inquired. Sometimes those answers were recognized as such right away, other times I saw God’s hand well after the fact.

I thought a lot about it today, trying to recall I’d ever put some kind of “God, if B is right, please make LO occur.” request out there, or conversely, “If B is wrong, make it so LO does not happen”.

I find it unlike the lightning swearing of truth to another person, “If I’m lying, I’m dying”. If God doesn’t strike me dead, I’m honest without a doubt. Ayup. Check out my bridge for sale, right this way…

I have seen signs, though, ones I cannot deny. Little miracles, tender mercies as Elder David Bednar calls them, sprinkled throughout my life.

Are these examples sign-seeking, or just really dumb, or both?
“God, If she breaks her leg, then I’ll know I’m not supposed to marry her.”
“My boss giving me a large raise will be the answer for me keep this job, God. If not, I know you want me to quit.”
“If I’m not supposed to drink this coffee, God, have the cup crack before I do it.”
“God, I will go to the next college that sends me a letter.”
“If someone doesn’t say “Hi” to me at church, God, I’m not coming back.”
“Have a puppy show up at my door, God, if I should have a pet.”

If it’s put in more general terms, though, does it change anything?

“God, we need a sign to know which way to go in all of these paths. If this is right, God, someone else will take this particular action. If this action is not taken, we will know that this desire/course was not right.”

So let’s say that this action happens. Could the course still be the wrong way? Was it not a sign after all? Will God grant a different means of expression (the whispers of the Holy Ghost, for example) to direct my paths for good, knowing that I’d hung my choice on something else?

Richard and I fasted and prayed to know if we should pursue a fifth child after my sudden illness in 2004. We received an affirmative answer to our prayers through the Spirit but other confirmations followed. A priesthood blessing from a home teacher unaware of our desire, the ready availability of medications deemed safe for pregnancy. Anya’s arrival had other signs surrounding her conception and birth.

That period of our lives is over now. The larger decisions nowadays concern education, career moves, living situations, etc. Still life-changing, long lasting choices for the most part. Ones that I’d hate to be wrong about, so I find myself asking for a sign. A specific answer from God. Now, in this case, there’s a deadline, a time appointed with which I have nothing to do. So come Wednesday night, the coin flips. We’ll soon see if my calling heads means anything in the eyes of God.

Am I part of a wicked generation? I sure hope not.