"With any major decision there are cautions and considerations to make, but once there has been illumination, beware the temptation to retreat from a good thing. If it was right when you prayed about it and trusted it and lived for it, it is right now. Don't give up when the pressure mounts."
In October of last year the prophet made an incredible and historical announcement that the church (the LDS church) was changing the missionary age for men from 19 to 18 and for women from 21 to 19. As a 19 year old young women, at the time, this change was incredibly significant to my life and to the lives around me. For the last 6 months I have listened and watched as this change has affected thousands across the world including those close to me. For men, it was a difference, but for women it was a life changing event. It is every worthy young man's responsibility, in the church, to serve an LDS mission. But for women it isn't a responsibility; it is a choice. A very very hard choice. And more now than ever before there is an immense social pressure to serve for young women. I have watched as each of my friends puts their papers in and receives that amazing blessing to serve the Lord for 18 months. With the exception of a few, it feels as though every girl I know has decided to serve. It is incredible! We need missionary work and we need sister missionaries. However, not every young women is meant to serve a mission. I have wanted to serve a mission since I was a very young girl, that desire increased as my family fell away from the church, and even more so as I expanded my horizons and saw the sadness of those who didn't have the gospel in their lives. There is a scripture in D&C 4:3 that says "if ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work;" you would think that would be my answer. But it wasn't. The answer to my prayers was not to go on a mission. I have yet to know why I won't be putting on a nametag and travelling away from home to serve anytime soon. But I do know that God has a plan for me and He knows exactly where I am needed and I trust Him even if the answers are not what I expect. I have often wondered, and prayed, about whether the answer I received was real or just my own fears or selfish desires coming out. The decision to not serve has become significantly harder the more I see my friends leave. But I received an answer, a real answer, and I know that my call, though different than that of a full time mission, is just as important to my Heavenly Father.
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