Blessing #3: Divine Potential

Over the last several months, as I’ve been preparing to accept the call to serve a full-time, 18-month mission, I’ve seen many blessings- some miracles- but I’ve also had many moments of inadequacy. Moments where I just don’t feel like I’d ever be able to reach my potential as a missionary, so shoot, why even go?

Moments similar to this are all too common in all of our lives. Feelings of doubt, of worthlessness, creep into our thoughts and are often very difficult to dispel. People will try all sorts of crazy nonsense to try to get rid of that frame of mind. Yoga, acupuncture, reading self-help books, meditating, exercising, vacationing, gambling and more. What I’ve found, though, is that the very best, sure-fire way to a cured self-confidence is found in the Gospel.

Today, in my Book of Mormon class, my professor talked to us about Samuel the Lamanite, a man that was called of God to prophecy to wicked people of the coming of Christ back in about 6 BC. This Lamanite had no pomp and circumstance given to him in the record of his teachings. He was not the prophet at the time, there is no lineage given of him, nor is there any record of what he did later in his life. As described in scripture, he was the simplest, most generic of human beings. And yet, his was some of the most profound prophesying we have record of.

Samuel the Lamanite is one of the best theologians we have. He discusses deep, sacred doctrines, brings the great knowledge of the existence of the Savior to many people, and provides us with the most specific prophecies we read about in the Book of Mormon. Though he was a simple man, as he showed determination to fulfill a calling of the Lord in preaching to the people, he was strengthened, protected, and blessed richly with success. We can learn so much from this incredible man's example, as I did during my class today.

Of course, this is not the only time the Lord has lent a hand to pick me up. I remember a time in high school, when I would often look in the mirror and feel a little disheartened. Not exactly dissatisfied or self-conscious, just not terribly pleased with the reflection I was seeing. 

As I sat thinking about it one night, a beautiful thought occurred to me, and I decided to experiment upon it right away. The thought was this: What am I thinking of when I look in the mirror?

I had my answer as soon as I turned the corner and looked in the bathroom mirror. I had, in my mind, pictures of athletes, of school-mates, of celebrities, of the great success-story stars that I hear and read about daily. I felt Heavenly Father gently tell me that I was not intended to become any of those things. He had something a little different and much more specific to me in mind. 

After thinking hard and praying to know what it was He was intending, the answer became clear. I returned to my reflection and looked, this time, for a righteous mother. A hard-working missionary. A good friend. A loyal wife. 

As I looked into the mirror, I felt my will slowly conform a bit more to the will of my Father, and I couldn't help but feel peace, and satisfaction. I know that I am moving in the right direction, and I will never feel poorly about my personal image again. So long, of course, as I maintain this understanding.

I know that the Lord has a plan for each of us. I know that with all my heart, and I can't imagine trying to go through life without that knowledge. As we strive to learn what His plan is, and work hard to move in that direction, we will be so very blessed. It will become impossible to deny His hand in our lives, and we will know to whom we can turn for confidence, strength, and unwavering love.