I should be writing one of my many philosophy papers but instead I'm distracting myself with this. A more serious note than usual. We had Stake Conference today, and I've decided to set a goal for myself. If I ever am asked to speak in a church setting in the future, I'm going to focus whatever topic I'm given on Jesus. It seems like people don't take the opportunity to reflect on their personal testimony of the Savior or incorporate His teachings and blessings into their talk as much as they could (or at all). And since the scriptures teach us that we are forgiven of sin every time we bear testimony of the Savior, I might even start slipping it into my presentations for work.
Although people seem to find other topics to talk about I'm not complaining, they make some interesting points, or at least inspire further reflection. Today one of the speakers talked about how much he loves to run. He's ran in over 14 marathons, but he said it wasn't for the race but just because he loves running. He quoted someone who talking about flying said something to the effect that after a person has flown they will never be able to look up at the sky with longing to be there. I guess that's how he feels about running.
I appreciated his comparison, it made me wonder what makes me feel that way. It was easy to identify. My mission. Nothing in my life has made a stronger, more lasting impression than the spiritual strength, peace and security of serving as a representative of the Savior. I am in no means claiming that I was the quintessential missionary that should be revered. But I long for it. I long for it like nothing else in this life. It was there that I saw and felt the reality of divine potential. It was there that I felt the Savior at my side every day, and that the Spirit became a strength and power that I had never known. I long for it.
From that time to the present, every time I feel the spirit strongly, or have opportunity to reflect on the incredible people that I met (and that I will love for ever), I long for it. I long to be there. It's not actually in Oregon that I long to be, but in a place, in a time where I can again feel surrounded, maybe even engulfed by the love, work and spirit of the Savior. Where I can be who I am really meant to be, a daughter of God. Without the distractions of the world, just simply a daughter of God learning, striving and doing His work. I long for it, more than anything else.
For now, I guess I'll continue on, trying to maintain as much as I can of the spirit in my life. Hopefully working my way back to that point, then maybe I'll long to run too, but I doubt it.
There is something much greater within each of us that exists beyond what this world would believe. A potential and being that can bring that pure sense of contentment, happiness, and joy. And maybe as long as we -long- for it, we can stay in the race, and not get lost along the way.
Although people seem to find other topics to talk about I'm not complaining, they make some interesting points, or at least inspire further reflection. Today one of the speakers talked about how much he loves to run. He's ran in over 14 marathons, but he said it wasn't for the race but just because he loves running. He quoted someone who talking about flying said something to the effect that after a person has flown they will never be able to look up at the sky with longing to be there. I guess that's how he feels about running.
I appreciated his comparison, it made me wonder what makes me feel that way. It was easy to identify. My mission. Nothing in my life has made a stronger, more lasting impression than the spiritual strength, peace and security of serving as a representative of the Savior. I am in no means claiming that I was the quintessential missionary that should be revered. But I long for it. I long for it like nothing else in this life. It was there that I saw and felt the reality of divine potential. It was there that I felt the Savior at my side every day, and that the Spirit became a strength and power that I had never known. I long for it.
From that time to the present, every time I feel the spirit strongly, or have opportunity to reflect on the incredible people that I met (and that I will love for ever), I long for it. I long to be there. It's not actually in Oregon that I long to be, but in a place, in a time where I can again feel surrounded, maybe even engulfed by the love, work and spirit of the Savior. Where I can be who I am really meant to be, a daughter of God. Without the distractions of the world, just simply a daughter of God learning, striving and doing His work. I long for it, more than anything else.
For now, I guess I'll continue on, trying to maintain as much as I can of the spirit in my life. Hopefully working my way back to that point, then maybe I'll long to run too, but I doubt it.
There is something much greater within each of us that exists beyond what this world would believe. A potential and being that can bring that pure sense of contentment, happiness, and joy. And maybe as long as we -long- for it, we can stay in the race, and not get lost along the way.
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