First, because I realized that after
looking back at my mission, one of the most important lessons I have
begun to learn is the importance of hope. Hope is an ABIDING trust that
the Lord will fulfill his promises to you. I desperately want that kind
of trust in God. It doesn't come in a moment, and it's not easy, but I
am learning!
Another reason is because of the song Abide With
Me 'Tis Eventide. I love that song. I know that Jesus Christ has been
with me throughout my time as his representative.
Thinking
about this word has given me so much hope! I just think about all the
attributes I want to develop, and how I want them to be abiding. I want
them to be a part of me. So it helps me have hope when things are hard,
because I know long-suffering and time help develop an abiding trust.
That is what patience is about!
Time truly is a gift. It's
something that only exists on this earth, in mortality. I am grateful
Heavenly Father doesn't have clocks and To Do lists. He sees us in terms
of forever, He understands our potential. He is constant and His
purpose is all about His children's progression. He knows everything we
need. And one of those things is time....so He's given that to us too!
So, try to seek God's perspective. Use the time as HIS time. It is
precious, but it is there for progression. Heavenly Father doesn't use clocks-We can always repent. He loves us how we are. He accepts us in our weakness.
So
yesterday we went to the baptism of one of my companion's (I'm in a
trio) friends from an area she recently served in. So Yan Ching is her
name, and she is 17. She is from Hong Kong but attends a boarding school
in Mainland China because her mom works full time. Her mother was
baptized many years ago, but has since become too busy to attend church.
Her baptism was so special. She was so excited, and cried when she saw
Sister Percival. I got to sing with some missionaries the primary song I
Like to Look For Rainbows. It was really powerful to sing that
familiar, joyful song in Cantonese.
After she was baptized,
Yan Ching bore her testimony. She explained how her mom wanted to go to
the closest Christian church to their home, but she wanted to find the
Church she remembered attending as a little kid. She encouraged her mom
to attend The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She said,
through tears, "I wanted to find this Church, because I missed those
feelings." Her testimony was so sincere and so powerful. Chinese people
don't often get emotional, so I was especially touched. I was just
overwhelmed with the Spirit. I know that the things we learn in The
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are unique and life-changing
and complete. Most of all, I just felt that the belief that we are all
children of God is absolutely true! I just saw Yan Ching as the daughter
that God had been leading, blessing, and pleading with to make it back
to Him. Her spirit is strong, and I will be praying she can be an
example in China, amidst so much secularism and with no close churches
around her strict school.
WHEN I AM BAPTIZED
I like to look for rainbows whenever there is rain
And ponder on the beauty of an earth made clean again.
I know when I am baptized my wrongs are washed away,
And I can be forgiven and improve myself each day.
I want my life to be as clean as earth right after rain.
I want to be the best I can and live with God again.
I
am thankful for rainbows :) After the rain; the trials, we see
rainbows. We realize the rain was a blessing-it makes things grow, and
it cleanses us. And we can see all the colors of the rainbows and
understand them. I just love how the deepest, most complicated aspects
of the gospel can be wrapped up in one primary song. All that matters is
that we are children of God. He loves us and will always be with us.
Love you all!!
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