There comes a time in all of our lives when we just don't feel quite right, and we're not as certain as we used to be. For me, that's been the last couple of months. My testimony of this gospel has grown like crazy, but life itself had felt more and more difficult to understand. And some days have been really rough. It's been hard to remember what the point of it all is ... and why I'm here. But I've had help. Help from myself, funny enough. :)
I have a habit of writing notes to my future self in my journals, and sometimes I swear they must be inspired. Going back and reading those, along with the stories of my most precious experiences, have kept me going. Even one of my own blog posts hit the spot. And that's the reason for my advice tonight:
Write down your story. Write down the times that have made you smile, and have made you who you are. Document those spiritual experiences, and even the sweet things people say that just make you feel better. Write about your trials and how you're overcoming them. Write about what made you laugh today. Write about what made you cry.
Your words will be precious to future generations, without a doubt. Your words will inspire others, and help them through tough times. And surprisingly, if you go back, your words may even help you.
I am a strong believer in the fact that everything happens for a reason. I also believe that we can discover those reasons as we document things - and often get a new perspective as we read them later on. I know it sounds like a huge undertaking - writing about life. Some of you may think it's too terrible or boring to keep alive. But down the line, someone else may be thinking the same thing - and you can help them.
When I first started, I never expected to be such a journal fanatic. Now I haven't missed a day in years, and ... well, it's changed my life. So there's my challenge. Write. Remember. Document. If it feels selfish, it's really not. Just think about everyone you may touch. And then ... Write about you.
Bonnie Gwyn <3
That is wonderful advice. I do not journal every day but I have kept a journal through the years. They tell my story.... my ups and downs.... and how my testimony has grown. I can look back and see that some of the trials that were so hard for me were huge stepping stones in my life. Sometimes when things were really bad and I wondered why my heart felt prayers were not being answered ... they were really being answered" no" because God had a better plan for me... a plan that involved change, struggle and work but with rewarding outcomes. I look back on some of those desperate journal entries and wish I could go back and let myself know all was well and all I needed to do was worry less and trust God more. My journals have taught me a lesson. God does hear our prayers and is guiding our lives. When our earnest, righteous prayers go seemingly unanswered... sometimes for years... we must not get discouraged. We need to know that God is watching over us and just has another plan for us. His timing is rarely the same as ours.....but it is always for the best.
ReplyDeleteI was happy that you dropped by to visit my blog. I love hearing from you. You are an amazing girl.... a Saturday's Warrior. God saved the best to come forth in these last days. Knowing your makes my heart smile.
Have a great week dear. You are a precious daughter of God and you have a mission to preform. Don't get discouraged. Hugs, Grammy