Some preparation has occurred. It's important that you clothe yourself, at least! Check everything off the list. Order, order, order! Schedule, schedule, schedule! Check, check, check! Because of the climate, location and conditions of my mission, my mother and I have spent what seems like countless HOURS sifting through racks upon piles upon walls full of clothes to find the perfect fabrics, lengths, and coverage. Shoes have been researched, tried on, bought. "What colors will go with what skirts, and how many outfits can go with each thing, and what will I sweat in the least, and is this fabric light-weight, and we want to look for something that is comfy, and will you like that 6 months from now...." You have to make sure it will be the right fit.
However, you can get so caught up in a pair of sturdy walking shoes that you forget who you're walking for.
I've been home since May, when I returned from Mesa, AZ after completing my student teaching and graduating with a Bachelor's in Elementary Education. Pending arrival from the state of Idaho, I will be a certified teacher. My papers were submitted in June and I received my call in July. Guam! How exciting! How scary. How long from right now.
I'm caught in a dead zone. Where I am waiting to move on to the next stage of my life, my mission. When I get back, I will launch into my career, because I already have a degree. I'm doing this a little backwards, I guess. So any time in between graduation, mission, and career seemed like a waste to me. But I have found that I need to change my perspective.
I've been viewing this time all wrong, like this waiting period was a holding cell; pacing back and forth, I allowed myself to create a rut as I paced, paced, paced. I moved nowhere, and my attention shifted from the date that seemed too far away but will come so soon, and I found myself melting into the monotony and the idleness that came with it.
You see, it matters little if you have the right clothes if your heart isn't ready.
The prophet Alma, from the Book of Mormon, asks "...have ye been spiritually born of God? Have ye received His image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your heart?"
Sometimes I feel like in all our lives, we experience times where we forget the significant yet simple truths in our lives. As we forget, the light of Christ will diminish in our countenances. At those times, it is important to rekindle the flame. As I have been pondering this the last couple weeks, I have been able to see how I need to make sure that I am doing the BEST things with my spare time. Creating daily patterns of living allow me to feed on the daily bread that scriptures, Preach My Gospel, the Spirit, and others can provide, so I can see the bigger picture.
It's the simple things that remind us, remind me of my purpose and why I am finding those shoes to walk in.
I will be walking in His name.
I will be speaking in His name.
I will be praying in His name.
I will be singing in His name.
I will be teaching in His name.
And as I have worked to reestablish those daily patterns, I have found greater light, a light that can only come from our Savior, Jesus Christ. David A. Bednar said, "If today you are a little better than you were yesterday, then that's enough." Progression is key. And as we progress, we will find greater joy. And it's all because of Him.
I know this to be true.
He lives.
And because He lives,
We can change.
And at the end of the day,
That's a pretty awesome truth to know.
'Till next time!
Emily.
