Yesterday I saw this quote and it caused me to stop and ponder for a moment. Of course I immediately thought of literal rain, but then I began to think of spiritual rain? Do I smile when I'm going through the hard stuff? The really hard stuff, the thunder storms of life, the times when it's pouring and it seems like the sun will never show again?
I would like to say yes, I would like to say I'm the peppiest most positive person, who knows that things will always work out, but I know I'd only be lying to myself. Of course I'm not constantly smiling through the storms of life.
In the Book of Mormon, there is a story in Ether Chapter 6, where there is a group of people known as the Jaredites who are preparing to travel to the promised land in sealed barges which would normally be void of light.
The Lord causes stones to shine in darkness, so that the people will not suffer in darkness during their travels. Though these weren't just any old rocks. These stones were white, pure, and clear.
"And thus the Lord caused stones to shine in darkness, to give light unto men women, and children that they might not cross the waters in darkness."
Have you ever thought of yourself as a stone? (maybe not literally) But even the thought "I don't have true significance in this world." or "I'm just one out of billions of people what difference could I make in a world so big."
Why can't you be a stone, that is pure, that is virtuous, that is kind, and honest? The stone that the Savior, Jesus Christ, can cause to shine in darkness?
You can be a light to others. Others look to your example, and even if you don't realize it, people are always watching. You have power. And even though it may seem a little far fetched you can, and will affect generations.
Be a friend. Love. Serve.
I want to be the girl, who doesn't falter in her faith. Who "doubts her doubts before she doubts her faith." The girl, who knows who she is, who knows that she is a Daughter of an Almighty God. I want to always remember that I have a Savior, and a Brother, who sacrificed His life for me. I want to always remember that I can have a righteous influence, whether it be in a large or small way.
I want to be the girl who smiles when it's raining, but for now I'm going to enjoy the sunshine, and prepare for the storms of life that are sure to come.
When I think of stones, I begin to think of all the great things that have come out of such a small and simple thing. Many temples around the world are made of stone. We are those stones that are building the kingdom of heaven.
I think it's safe to say that the temple is my happy place. The temple is a place where I can truly feel heaven near. One day I want to be married in the temple, so that I might be with my family for time and all eternity. But I know that in order to do this, I will need to stand strong in my beliefs, and never compromise my standards. I will need to be that stone, everyday striving to become, more pure, more holy, more like my dear Savior.
Oh how I love to see the temple.
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| My temple painting, and I. |
