Fellow Soldiers

(*Names are changed).  *Mike and I met in math class in high school.  I was going through a period of depression and pain because my boyfriend (at the time) had moved just a few months before.  I was lonely, heartbroken and desperate for guy friends who would build me up during the times when my confidence was low.  Mike initially had a crush on me and I craved attention and an ego stroke.  While we were attracted to each other,  we eventually talked it out and agreed that we would rather be friends than get into a relationship.  But we still kiss each other on the cheek every time we see each other and go get ice cream whenever we hang out.  He brought me roses and chocolate for my birthday and I gave him a dating survival kit in the form of candy and a ruby red lipstick kiss on the cheek for his. 

In math, Mike and I sat at a table with a couple other friends and we soon became one marvelous group.  I'm still close to these friends today and treasure the wonderful memories we have of laughing and talking during math.  At one point we decided to give each other food nick names.  I became "Sprinkle Muffin" and Mike became "Devil Food Cake."  We still address each other with these names today.  As Mike and I grew up, finished high school and went to college we still talked.  He helped me through drama, school, and the trials of every day life.  I would buoy up his confidence and help him navigate the new college life.  We both attended schools that were a few hours from our home town so we would call each other to pass the time when we were driving home from college.

So now Mike is leaving on a mission.  I had the opportunity to attend his farewell.  I had the wonderful privilege to listen to his profound testimony.  He bore one of the most powerful witnesses of the Prophet, Christ and the Gospel.  He discussed how the Prophets and Apostles are called of God and given the priesthood keys to act as instruments in the hands of God.  He talked about how personal revelation is available to all of us. 

We communicate with God through prayer.  God communicates to us through personal revelation.  Personal revelation can come in the form of dreams, visions, impressions, thoughts, feelings, events and people.  This picture of Christ shows him knocking on a door without a handle.  There is a light in the window signifying that someone is home.  This picture represents Christ in our lives.  We have the handle.  All we have to do is open the door and let him in our lives.  It is difficult and requires sacrifice, but it is possible.  I am learning that now in my life as I prepare to serve my own mission. 

Mike shared experiences that have helped him come closer to Christ.  He testified that he knew that he is going to his specific mission for a reason.  He doesn't know what that reason is yet, but he knew that the people there were being prepared to hear the Gospel of Christ. 

As I sat there listening to this testimony, I felt a peace sweep through my body.  I felt a renewed confirmation for my testimony.  The Gospel blesses my daily life, because it provides the same opportunity for me and all of my friends.  I have many friends who have already left or are leaving soon for their missions.  While I will miss them, I am so grateful for their examples in my life.  It is encouraging to know that many of my friends are working towards the same goals as I am.  I am grateful that through the Gospel of Christ, we can become perfect and work to share the joy of the Gospel with others.