heart lessons

I just returned from visiting the wonderful land of the Midwest. Really, a return from visiting a place so dear and precious in my heart. This was a healing journey for me to return to the field that I labored in for a year and a half of my life. I was able to reflect on the service I gave, how I have grown, and SO importantly, how incredible the pioneers were.

So as I was sitting in the airport, waiting to fly back home, I had some good time to reflect on what I learned on the trip and how it taught me about the questions in my heart. I had a few very sweet experiences on this little trip that helped me REMEMBER how much I was able to love on my mission and move forward with faith and confidence in the Lord that all things that needed to happen, WOULD.

I was reminded of the COURAGE the pioneers had in leaving everything they had behind, facing an unknown future, but facing it with faith. I hope I always remember the feeling I had when we drove up to the Nauvoo temple and I thought of the pioneers and the sorrow they probably felt leaving that behind, what they had given so much to build. They took what the temple stood for in their hearts on their journey, and it became something to look forward to, something to press onward to.

This brings me to my third heart strengthening realization I had on the plane, flying over Wyoming. I was reading a wonderful book called "Trusting Jesus" and thinking about HOPE. It is looking forward to the future, knowing that something good will always come because the Lord loves us and always will. It's trusting that although we may not see it now, there are GREAT blessings in store. But we learn so much in the journey, not necessarily in the end, that's just part of the icing on the cake:). It's the journey that makes it worth it. It's the rough spots that really strengthen us. I remember a conversation I had with a friend a few years ago when I was going through a difficult time when he reminded me that even though the journey the pioneers made was not easy, it didn't mean they weren't doing the RIGHT thing and the BEST thing. And now, look at what has come from their sacrifices!

I just love what I am taught when I LISTEN.