We are imperfect

Hi everyone! Sorry I haven't had a chance to update my blog for a while. But when you are a missionary time just kind of fly's by when you are busy dashing from place to place. This last week at a relief society activity we had a chance to talk about stress and how so many of us put stress on ourselves in our life. Whether it is from the simple things to the big things. We as Latter Day Saint's are expected to fulfill our callings, take care of our families, a job, social life, make sure we are friends to everyone because we are an example, and be sure to share the gospel while we are at it! Whoa... that is a lot to take on. Their are more than that, but I just don't have the brain capacity to name all of the responsibilities we do have physically as well as spiritually. I get a little stressed just from thinking about all the things I have to get done before the week is over, and quite frankly I feel like their just isn't ever enough time to get it all done.

I was really grateful for this class and the activity because I have been feeling a lot of stress lately. I felt like this message couldn't have come at a more perfect time for me. It is important to realize that although all of these things we have to do are very important, we need to prioritize and live in the moment. What has to be done right now? Tell yourself that "all I have to do right now is...", and then do it. When I start checking things off of my list, I know that that helps a ton too. We need to realize that we are not perfect human beings and that it is OK. That is what this journey in life is all about. We came to earth so that we could grow from trials and struggles, and so that we could gain experience in the process. Our Heavenly Father loves us very much, and wants us to be able to progress in His plan to become like Him.

Now let's break that down. Become like Him. That even seems like a big responsibility when you think about it. The important thing to remember is that our Heavenly Father does not expect us to become like Him over night. He does not expect us to be perfect like Him tomorrow, the next day, or even twenty years from now. All that He does ask is that we work on a little piece each day. I know I am so flawed as an individual and I felt great peace come to me as I received personal revelation at that class. It is so true! God does not expect me to be like His Son tomorrow. I have every day, I have eternity to work on myself. That is what this life and eternity are all about. We have the opportunity to progress forever as we take the time to work on ourselves each day and make the correct decisions that our Heavenly Father wants for us.

The Savior asked us in the Book of Mormon "What manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you. even as I am.". He not only asked us this in the Book of Mormon, but he also asked this same question in the Bible. Our purpose is to know Him, and come closer to Him by becoming like Him. He is our Savior and He is our example. I am so grateful for my Savior, I am grateful that I have an example that I can look to every day to be able to help guide me in my decisions and how I should interact with people. Even Christ learned precept upon precept, and so must we also. What joyful news to know that we have such great potential to become as He is. Our Savior knew this and so did our Father in Heaven. If only we could see each of us the way Heavenly Father and Christ do.

Don't forget though, although this is a lot of responsibility. We have the opportunity to work on it each day by just making small decisions. I would like to work on letting go of my pride because that is something I have way too much of. No matter who has wronged you or what you think you are entitled too, it doesn't matter. We must turn the other cheek as the Savior did. He was entitled to the Kingdom of Heaven and yet He came and was a servant. I know that as we follow Christ's example we will be given that strength to be able to prioritize more clearly and to accomplish all that our Heavenly Father expects us to on this earth. I know that this is true.