Okay who is with me and opened up the October issue
of The New Era and laughed? I sure did. I know, right? What in the heck? That
couldn’t possibly be me! My inspiration for this weeks email stems from the
title of the article my giant face was on, “For Young Women: Making the Mission
Decision.” A small handful of you may know how my decision to serve was made
but I figure the vast majority doesn’t so let me just take a sec and share!
Now looking back, I can so clearly see how God
prepared me for this calling throughout my entire life. I’m coming to a
realization of character/personality traits I posses that were given to me for
these people and this work out here; It’s astounding to literally acknowledge
God’s hand in my personal preparation and worthiness to represent His Son.
Even though, the thought of serving a mission was nonexistent before I
met the Hawkins’ sisters. But even then I thought, so cool for them and I was
inspired by their passion for serving a mission but I just never thought it
would actually be for me. I was so okay with being a “member missionary” and
trying to be a good example to those around me, never actually contemplating
serving a full time mission. Little did I know the Lord had something
extraordinary in store for me.
Saturday Oct. 6, 2012. The Prophet of the Lord,
Thomas S. Monson announced that the minimum age of sister missionaries would
now be 19. When those words were spoken I was not in the right state of mind to
be receptive to any answer. I was kinda numb to it all. I was off in la la land
with a boy and was just so totally aloof to even the consideration of any other
plans or desires. I received numerous texts and such of “Avery, this is so for
you!” “You were the first girl that popped in my head!” and so forth. Why did
everyone else think I should go when I sure wasn’t convinced? However, I
really was so excited for all my girly friends I knew were to answer the call
to serve. Attending in afternoon session with this boy, the rest of Saturday
was lovely and happy.
Sunday Oct. 7, 2012. I was going to go up to
SLC for the morning session but accidentally slept in, missing my ride and when
I woke up and realized that, I remember thinking “eh why go? You’ll have to run
around to find a ride and that’ll take too much effort. I’m tired.” Silly
Satan! God wins. I don’t even know how and it’s all a blur to me but somehow or
another I hitched a ride with random people and threw on some dress, hair and
make up a definite no. I met up with Nicole, Kenny and her family and took our
seats (BTW the best seats I’ve ever sat in! The pulpit is right in front of
us!).
Then an apostle of the Lord, Elder Holland,
addressed the world. He spoke of the account of the resurrected Lord and Peter
on the Sea of Tiberius (http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/10/the-first-great-commandment?lang=eng). I was captivated. He had to have been
speaking directly to me. It felt as if the Savior Himself was talking to me and
asking me, “What
I need, Peter (Avery), are disciples—and I need them forever. I need someone to
feed my sheep and save my lambs. I need someone to preach my gospel and defend
my faith. I need someone who loves me, truly, truly loves me, and loves what
our Father in Heaven has commissioned me to do.”
As I listened in spiritual awe, I knew with absolute surety that
I was to serve. It felt at that moment that if Jesus Christ were to ask me if I
loved Him, truly loved Him, He may have had to ask three times. And that alone
killed me. I swore that Sunday that I would never give the Savior a reason to
question my love for Him. I needed to leave my “nets” behind; I had to show Him
I was willing to give everything up to “feed His sheep.” So, I didn’t question
my answer. I texted my bishop at the conclusion of Holland’s talk and set up an
appointment for the coming Tuesday.
And now here I am. More love and
passion fills my soul than ever before. Love is my motivation, it has been
since the get go. Making my mission decision was life changing. I believe in
the atonement and I know I’ve been prepare and also forgiven to now be
entrusted to feed His sheep. Because… “Ours is not a feeble message. It is not
a fleeting task. It is not hapless; it is not hopeless; it is not to be
consigned to the ash heap of history. It is the work of Almighty God, and it is
to change the world.” I can bear you my testimony that this work, His gospel is
changing the world, and it sure is changing mine.
Y'all
have a blessed day :)
Sister
Miyahara
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