Sunday thoughts

This weekend Kyle organized a mini-MTC experience for the young men and women in the stake. Kyle and I were on a panel to talk to the youth about our missionary experiences. One of the girls asked me how I decided to serve a mission. I had to laugh remembering how many times I decided and undecided to go on a mission, and all the agonizing that went with the process. My BYU roommates probably remember all that decision-making drama, mostly because they were making the same decision for themselves. I remember one fireside in particular that came in the prime time of our mission decisions. Sheri Dew spoke at the Provo Tabernacle, and her point was that God had a place for each of us, certain responsibilities for each of us to fulfill, and that no one could take our place. During that fireside my roommate Megan had her decision to serve a mission confirmed, my roommate Laura felt that a mission wasn't for her, and as for me, I just felt more confused than ever! My poor Dad, I must have driven him crazy during those 2 years with phone calls soliciting fatherly advice. I can't tell you how many times he tried to reassure me with these instructions: "sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride." I'm sure everyone I wearied during the decision making process were relieved when I finally settled on a course of action and turned in my mission papers. Looking back, I feel grateful that I didn't have an easy decision, and that it took me so long. Because ultimately that was the perfect timing. I loved my mission, and I loved that a few weeks after it was over I met Kyle. It's funny how everyone has to find their own way in life, and everyone has a different story. You just never know what God has in store for you when you are in the middle of it. Even though that sort of ambiguity can be maddening, when it's far enough behind you, it is easy to see God's hand in it all.

and a quote by President Hinckley, that I heard him say in General Conference (April 2006) after I came home from my mission: "We are all totally in the hands of the Lord...We all face choices in the course of our lives...Somehow the Lord has watched over and guided my choices, although it was not always evident at the time."

I agree.