What I have learned so far...

I wanted to write about what I have learned the last few years since I found myself in an unexpected situation so I can account for how my experiences (good and bad) have benefitted my life so far.  I know I am here on Earth to gain experience and to become more like my Savior, Jesus Christ.  When I was in church today I wrote down some of my thoughts about what I have to show for my journey here on Earth.  I want to make sure I am making the most of my educational experience here, not skipping out on classes or receiving failing marks.  If an education is what I am here to receive then I want to get my money's worth. ;)

So here were some of my thoughts:

I know God is in charge because He has perfect love for me.  His work and focus will always be to lead me towards true joy and happiness.  His work is completely about us.  I have learned that I must align my will with Him in order to make sure I connect with His possibilities. all the opportunities.  When I am connected to Him, I know I will grow in love and strength, wisdom and peace, confidence and faith.  I can try and do it my own way and haphazardly try to piece and twist my life together into some distorted image of what I want my life to be. (Believe me, I have tried.  It ends up looking like pottery I made when I was in Kindergarten.) Or I can trust in Him and obediently give my will to Him so my life can begin to resemble His desires, knowledge and truth.  In my submission to God, I have learned that the humility necessary to change my heart and life can be discovered under very difficult and trying circumstances.  When I am well aware that my own understanding and strength is futile in resolving the heavy matters that weigh on me, I have been able to ask Him for help with trust, faith and hope so I can endure the trials that are before me. He already knows what I need.   I only need to ask for it and be willing to put in the work.  I know He answers prayers.

Gratitude is a sign of how close I am to Him.  It is a choice.  Recognizing His hand in my life is important so I can testify that He does live and that He loves me.  When I can see what He provides and offers on an almost daily basis, it reminds me that He will continue to provide important things for me.  I recognize Him as the Creator and trust in His ability to create amazing things in my life.

I have learned that I can rely on myself.  I know I am rooted in things that are eternal and true.  While I am weak at times, I can see how I have handled difficulties and managed to survive.  I know what I am made out of especially as I have had very important things stripped away from me and I have stayed true to who I am.  My heart is strong.  It has grown stronger with each disappointment, hurt and fear because I have taken those opportunities when I am scared to turn to Him and He consistently stands ready to protect, heal and guide my heart.  I know if we submit to Him, our trials can be used for our good.

We are commanded to love one another so that we can learn to love like Christ loves.  God knew that people would inevitably hurt and disappointment us when He commanded us to love others.  I have gained a little more perspective from my experiences with imperfect human beings, including myself, that it is possible to forgive others and to try and love unconditionally.  I know that true love is not self centered and I am inspired to try and become better at this, to love from a place of pure charity because I know that is where eternal joy comes from.

I have learned that I was created by my God in love and that I am love.  The self doubt or fear I have experienced is not real and has nothing to do with who I am.  I am a child of God.  I have value and worth.  I have learned that I can only love others as much as I have love and care for myself.  This relationship with myself is crucial.  I have been able to extend in the last few years of my life compassion, understanding and forgiveness towards my shortcomings and mistakes, especially as the Savior has shown me how.  And as a result my commitment to sharing this compassion and love towards others has quadrupled.

It is by faith that God works miracles.  I have seen small and large miracles in my life simply because I have asked and believed.  I know that Christ lives.   And because He lives, I will be just fine.  I know I will live with Him again.  There is nothing in this world that is more important to me than being close to Him.  I don't want anything to separate me from His presence.  I know that I will see Him again. Although there have been times that I have doubted or been despairing, I always find my way back.  The best way right now for me to express my love for Him is to love his children and keep his commandments.

These are really important truths to me.  I know I have earned this knowledge through testing and trials and choosing Him.  I hope I can continue to learn more and build upon these pieces of truth so I am more capable of living a good life and being a wholesome person.  I hope I can also continue to take full advantage of all the blessings the Gospel of Jesus Christ offers so I can help others and be someone that God can trust and rely on.