In Between

This last weekend (or two weekends ago, I suppose), I took my pilgrimage to the university of my dreams--BYU Provo.

One of my best friends attends college down there, so I had the privilege of visiting her for a couple days. I thought about describing the abundance of simple, fantastic euphoria I experienced down there, but instead, I'd like to share the affects it had on me.

Honestly, what can I say here to express how much I loved it? Without sounding too sacrilegious, it's  like picturing heaven, arriving there, and then finding that it's everything you hoped for and more. Unfortunately, however, it's only a visit to heaven. There are still things to do before staying there permanently.

This recognition weighed heavily upon my shoulders once the shuttle van began pulling away from BYU campus. As the van departed, I saw my friend and her boyfriend walking back up the steps in the distance. In that moment, I did not want to go. The realization struck me with such force that tears started welling up and spilling over. How could a place be and feel so much like home if I was not meant to be there? I belonged there.

It was also in this mere moment that the Lord gave me permission to go to BYU. All my life, I'd hoped to go, and even knew I would go there, but when the Lord confirmed my dream, my tears dissolved into a shamelessly large smile.

(Bear with me; the BYU fandom is just about over.)

 

Despite this indelible experience, I still had to return to my little ol' hometown. Still had to attend high school. Still had to wait. But there were bigger and better things! "Why must I stay?" my senioritis argued.

 

That Monday, in seminary, each student picked a topic from Preach My Gospel to research for a couple minutes. I chose Patience. As I searched each scripture pertaining to the topic, three stuck out to me: Mosiah 23:21, Romans 8:24-25, and Psalm 46:10. Each of these helped me to see the greater scheme of things:

• Always keep Christ in sight. He will help make being patient easier. After all, because of the Atonement, He knows what I am going through.

 

• Be still; take a moment to simply think, reflect, ponder, and pray. There is much the Spirit can teach if we but provide the time.

• Do not let the chance to be excellent pass you by. The Lord wants to see what you do while you are waiting. What do you choose to do in these small hours?

Earlier on in the lesson, the class had passed around pictures depicting different events in Christ's life. The one I ended up with was called "He Will Make It More:"

This picture added to what the scriptures taught me. The Lord will magnify my efforts to be excellent. It may take time, but the Lord will always bless the faithful and diligent. Because of this, I feel like I can make it through this final year.

I will endure, and I will THRIVE!