5/02/13
The very moment I felt hands placed lightly upon my head
earlier this evening, every feeling and memory of two very special days came
rushing into full focus.
As a 19-year-old young man in February of 2010, I sat with
my parents and my siblings in the front room of our home, listening to a
profound message prepared for us by our humble stake president. On that evening, I was set apart as a
missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I cannot think of another time in my life
when I felt more excitement than I did on that occasion. It had been my desire to serve a mission ever
since I was old enough to know what a mission was. My eyes welled with tears as my wonderful priesthood
leader placed his hands on my head to pronounce a blessing and a setting apart
that would forever change my life. I eagerly
looked forward to every moment and experience through which I would pass as an
ambassador of the Lord, and solemnly promised to devote myself in every
capacity to His work. On that evening, I
felt the presence of my Savior very near to me, and found myself encompassed in
the warmth of His love.
Two years later, I sat in the office of that incredible stake
president as my mission came to a close.
I have never felt more humbly grateful than I did as I looked around the
room to meet the eyes of each of my family members present. I wept openly as President Cook placed his
hands on my head to release me as a missionary.
In that instant, I longingly reflected over 24 months through which I
had had the wondrous blessing of testifying daily of a Savior and Redeemer, of
a loving Heavenly Father, and of his plan for each and every one of his
children. On that day, I knew that my Redeemer
was smiling down on me for my small sacrifice to build His kingdom, and found
myself comforted in the warmth of His love.
Tonight, I experienced both of those unforgettable days once
more in a very small, brief instant. I
felt in full all of the love and joy that accompanied me as I walked and taught
during one mission served; in the same moment, I felt all of the anticipation
and eagerness as I was looking ahead to my next big adventure: another mission that the Lord has
granted me to serve. The feelings that I
have now are exactly as I remember them from so long ago. I adored being a missionary before, and I can
already feel of how much I shall love it again as I bring my testimony to
Nauvoo. Tonight, I have felt so strongly
of Christ’s power, mercy and grace, and now find myself quietly grateful,
surrounded in the warmth of His love.
I am a missionary once again! In this moment, nothing could bring me more
joy.
“Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of
God. I have been called of him to
declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life.”
-3
Nephi 5:13
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