Finding Peace

A few weeks ago, I got some very difficult news. It weighed on my heart over the next couple of days. One morning, I struggled through my workout, feeling like I was on the verge of a panic attack. I felt desperate to talk to someone but I knew it needed to wait until after school. I felt like I couldn't handle teaching that morning and wasn't sure how I would get through it. 

When I got home, I decided I needed to focus on scriptures that talk about peace instead of my normal studying. I prayed for peace and then started reading. 

I have never had such a complete change in how I felt as I did that morning. I read scripture after scripture about the Lord's ability to help me feel peace, no matter what is happening in my life. By the time I needed to get ready for the day, I realized that I felt completely at peace. The sense of panic was completely gone and I knew I could face the day with confidence.

The problem didn't disappear. But my faith in the Lord to guide me through it was strengthened. I got a tiny taste of Godly patience: the ability to face difficulty confidently. He knows my struggles and my heart. He lifts me as I put my faith in Him. I have seen this in my life over and over again, and these experiences help me trust that He will continue to do so.

Feelings of the Atonement

I want to make a better effort to write down my spiritual experiences so that I can remember them later and to increase my faith in future trials. Prophets have asked us repeatedly to remember. The scriptures use that word repeatedly as well. But I know that my memory is not as good as I want it to be and even special experiences get lost overtime.

Shortly after I became the relief society president, almost 2 years ago, I had an experience talking to a friend who was going through a very difficult time. I spent a lot of time with her and a lot of time on my knees praying for her. One morning, I was praying for her and was having a difficult time finding the words to pray. My heart was hurting for her and her family. After a time, I had an overwhelming feeling that what I was experiencing at that time was a tiny taste of what my Savior experienced for me and for her and for everyone else. It broadened my understanding and strengthened my faith in my Savior, knowing that He knows exactly what she was going through. I wish I could bottle up the exact feeling I felt or even describe it in more depth because it was unlike any spiritual experience I've had before or since.

As we draw nearer to Easter, I want to consider my Savior and His sacrifice for me and remember that experience. Many times in my life, I have received comfort and strength because of him.  I trust in him to continue helping me in my life. I have grown to be a better person as I turn to him again and again. I love Jesus Christ and I am a better person because of everything He has done and continues to do for me.