For anyone who has asked me what my plans are for the near future, they have heard the normal goals of college, work and so on. But to many people’s surprise and confusion, there is a part of my very near future that may seem far from typical. After only a few months of college, one semester’s time, I will be taking a break and leaving for two years. Not just for a break or to work, but to be a missionary. This usually is followed by a lot of questions and comments. While I am still learning and preparing for that commitment, here is more information. Here is why I will be leaving for two years.
There is a wonderful part of my life that is without any comparison. It makes me happier and stronger than words can describe. That part is my faith and love for God, Jesus Christ and the gospel. It is a faith and happiness I hope to bring into the lives of others, something that I know can change a person’s life in such a great and wonderful way. It is because of the life-changing differences it can make in the lives of others, will make in mine, and already has made that making the choice to serve as a full-time two-year missionary an ultimately easy decision. Through every up and down, every step of the path and back on, or any bump in the road, there was a continuous thought and reminder in the back of my mind of what I should do. I am a Christian. I am a Mormon. I am not afraid to share that with the world.
As long as I can possibly remember, the teachings and love of the gospel has been obvious and a guiding force in my life. From when I was 8 and being baptized, to my first youth conference at 14 with people I had never met but felt as if I had always known, or when I decided for myself that the gospel was something I didn’t just want but something I needed always. It is common for people to describe life as a roller coaster. With its drops, twists, turns and surprises, the comparison to the thrill is a great analogy. But often forgotten in the metaphor is the correlation between life and the safety harness. What is it in life that protects us and keeps us from harm? Imagine as you get into the car of a roller coaster. Three things immediately come to mind when getting ready for the ride. The special seat, the harness and the seatbelt. What could these possibly represent in real life? I think I have the answer. Heavenly Father, His son Jesus Christ and the gospel. Think about getting on a roller coaster without the seat, harness, or seat belt and being told just to hold on. That is a ride I would never get on. A ride that would never be allowed. This life is a thrilling and sometimes scary place, but we were given protection and safety to get through. All we have to do is accept it. But how can someone accept something that they don’t know about? Here is where my choice comes in.
In every part of this world, people are on this ride without the protections. Every drop and twist brings more fear and uncertainty, most of which having to do with how to make it to the end of the ride and then what will happen next. As I look around, I see people with seat belts almost on, harnesses almost secured, and close to being in the seat but not quite. I see a fear in their expression and a confusion in their words. I want to show them that without a doubt, this ride can come fearlessly. I have this knowledge and confirmed truth, but it is not something obtained be kept for one’s self. It is to be spread about and shared to all. This world has become so full with corruption and pains; I want nothing more to bring those I can to share this happiness that I have. A happiness of knowing that everything does get better, that good is eternal and bad is only temporary, and knowing that I am not alone. Every hardship and every pain felt is not something one has to suffer alone in. We all have someone who knows exactly and completely how we feel. Jesus Christ. Through Him, we can be happy even when everything may seem to be going wrong. Because it’s all going to work out. I don’t just simply want to express that with people, I need to tell anyone and everyone who is willing to hear me because their happiness, true and lasting happiness, is important to me. Your happiness is important to me.
Happiness. That is why I’ll be leaving for two years. Not just for me, but for everyone. With trust and faith, a happiness beyond imagination can be found. It could be easy for me to not go to school halfway across the country that is filled with like-minded people. It would be easy for me to not serve a mission for two years and bring people to the light and love of the Lord. But to quote President Thomas S. Monson, the prophet, “May we chose the harder right instead of the easier wrong.” I love the gospel, I love God and Jesus Christ, and I love the people of this world. This is, of many many reason, why I will be leaving for two years.
