Unexpected Miracles
In Regional Conference, one of the speakers talked about the Hastening of the Work. As I sat there, I thought of what a miracle it was in my life to serve a mission. This led to me think of a host of other mercies the Lord has extended to me that I never expected or dreamed possible.
So here's my mission story:
When I was 17, I had a friend (Allison) who was about to serve a mission. I expressed my reluctance and fears about missionary service. I did not want to wear a long, blanket like skirt every day and I did not want to tract. The lifestyle was not for me. But my spiritually in tune friend read to me a part from her journal where she talked about how excited she was to serve the Lord. The Lord began to soften my heart. I even went so far as to tell my Stake President (a church leader over many congregations) who smiled, asked me how old I was, and told me to come back in about 4 years.
A few months later, I was standing in my kitchen at college, just making something to eat. I guess my mind was on missionary service because the question popped into my thoughts "If you could go on a mission, would you?" Me and my fear ruled it out, saying that was in 3 years and who knows what could happen in that time. I could get married, I could be done with school. The question came back, ever so soft and intent "Regardless of time, if you could go on a mission, would you?" (Now, my thoughts don't come in words like I show here, I want to make that clear. My impressions come in ideas and words, some words I think my brain provides in reply to feelings and impressions/ideas in my mind. But these were rather insistent thoughts, as often the Spirit is. It tugs at you, gently seeking your attention. Please don't ever ignore that feeling. Too many good things in my life have come from listening and obeying that. If you don't understand, go to a quiet place, a bathroom, anything, and pray. The Lord will make it clear as you clear your mind and let faith into your heart and mind.)
I thought about this question for a while. I'm grateful the Lord is patient. I thought about all the returned missionaries in my life, about my brothers. There was always something I loved about returned missionaries. They had an easy going nature, a calm about them. I knew they trusted the Lord. And I wanted that. So I said, "Yes, I would."
Just a short time later, General Conference rolled around and the living Prophet of this day and age, Thomas S. Monson, announced what we now refer to as the "Age Change". Previous to this announcement, boys could leave for their missions at age 19 and girls at age 21. But President Monson felt the time had come for the Lord to "hasten [his] work in [his] time". The mission age was lowered for boys to leave at 18 and girls at 19. My 3 year wait quickly turned to 1.
But that wasn't the end of my story. I thought about it for a while and I studied. My Book of Mormon student manual said something that brought me peace. The Lord will not let us go down the wrong path without stopping us. After Christmas, my sister-in-law asked what my plan was. I told her, "Unless the Lord tells me 'No,' I'm going."
The Lord never told me no.
In fact, He told me yes, I just didn't realize it. But then my journey started. I will FOREVER be grateful for the unexpected miracle the Lord sent my way by lowering the age. I have no way of knowing if I would have served had I needed to wait until I was 21.
Another unexpected miracle was being sent home from my mission for surgery 13 months in. My friend got baptized and I gained precious testimony of faith in the Lord's plan and timing. I know He is always mindful of us, He does remember us. He is an actual being. He wants nothing else but for us to return home.
These are just a few unexpected miracles in my life. What are some of yours? Think about them carefully, sometimes they come in packages you don't expect. By all sides, going home from my mission was a trial, but at the heart of it was a miracle. Sometimes the Lord blesses us by letting us grow and strengthening us when we most need it.
Have faith. Press forward. Know He is always there for you, though He cannot always be felt. This life is a test, but it's also a joy to live it. So go out and claim it!
So here's my mission story:
When I was 17, I had a friend (Allison) who was about to serve a mission. I expressed my reluctance and fears about missionary service. I did not want to wear a long, blanket like skirt every day and I did not want to tract. The lifestyle was not for me. But my spiritually in tune friend read to me a part from her journal where she talked about how excited she was to serve the Lord. The Lord began to soften my heart. I even went so far as to tell my Stake President (a church leader over many congregations) who smiled, asked me how old I was, and told me to come back in about 4 years.
A few months later, I was standing in my kitchen at college, just making something to eat. I guess my mind was on missionary service because the question popped into my thoughts "If you could go on a mission, would you?" Me and my fear ruled it out, saying that was in 3 years and who knows what could happen in that time. I could get married, I could be done with school. The question came back, ever so soft and intent "Regardless of time, if you could go on a mission, would you?" (Now, my thoughts don't come in words like I show here, I want to make that clear. My impressions come in ideas and words, some words I think my brain provides in reply to feelings and impressions/ideas in my mind. But these were rather insistent thoughts, as often the Spirit is. It tugs at you, gently seeking your attention. Please don't ever ignore that feeling. Too many good things in my life have come from listening and obeying that. If you don't understand, go to a quiet place, a bathroom, anything, and pray. The Lord will make it clear as you clear your mind and let faith into your heart and mind.)
I thought about this question for a while. I'm grateful the Lord is patient. I thought about all the returned missionaries in my life, about my brothers. There was always something I loved about returned missionaries. They had an easy going nature, a calm about them. I knew they trusted the Lord. And I wanted that. So I said, "Yes, I would."
Just a short time later, General Conference rolled around and the living Prophet of this day and age, Thomas S. Monson, announced what we now refer to as the "Age Change". Previous to this announcement, boys could leave for their missions at age 19 and girls at age 21. But President Monson felt the time had come for the Lord to "hasten [his] work in [his] time". The mission age was lowered for boys to leave at 18 and girls at 19. My 3 year wait quickly turned to 1.
But that wasn't the end of my story. I thought about it for a while and I studied. My Book of Mormon student manual said something that brought me peace. The Lord will not let us go down the wrong path without stopping us. After Christmas, my sister-in-law asked what my plan was. I told her, "Unless the Lord tells me 'No,' I'm going."
The Lord never told me no.
In fact, He told me yes, I just didn't realize it. But then my journey started. I will FOREVER be grateful for the unexpected miracle the Lord sent my way by lowering the age. I have no way of knowing if I would have served had I needed to wait until I was 21.
Another unexpected miracle was being sent home from my mission for surgery 13 months in. My friend got baptized and I gained precious testimony of faith in the Lord's plan and timing. I know He is always mindful of us, He does remember us. He is an actual being. He wants nothing else but for us to return home.
These are just a few unexpected miracles in my life. What are some of yours? Think about them carefully, sometimes they come in packages you don't expect. By all sides, going home from my mission was a trial, but at the heart of it was a miracle. Sometimes the Lord blesses us by letting us grow and strengthening us when we most need it.
Have faith. Press forward. Know He is always there for you, though He cannot always be felt. This life is a test, but it's also a joy to live it. So go out and claim it!
I am so forgetful and so I apologize for the repeat of this question, but what are you studying while you are at BYU? I just think that you have a way with words and express yourself so eloquently. Thank you for sharing your testimony of how you received direction from Our Father and you obeyed. Thank you for coming here and helping so many people that needed your influence, your encouraging, and your LOVE. MAMA RODGERS LOVES YOU!
ReplyDeleteMama you're the best! Thank you :) I am studying nursing! I apply for the program next semester to get in the Fall. I truly cannot describe how in awe and grateful and humbled and joyful I am that I got to serve the Lord in Colorado! I am so incredibly grateful to have met and know all the wonderful people like you there! You've changed my life forever.
ReplyDeleteMama you're the best! Thank you :) I am studying nursing! I apply for the program next semester to get in the Fall. I truly cannot describe how in awe and grateful and humbled and joyful I am that I got to serve the Lord in Colorado! I am so incredibly grateful to have met and know all the wonderful people like you there! You've changed my life forever.
ReplyDeleteYou and the Lord, of course :)
ReplyDeleteYou and the Lord, of course :)
ReplyDelete