He Loves Us

For the past few months, I have been prompted to bear my testimony about the protection that the Gospel has given me throughout my life.

Like the story of a cow in a fenced-in pasture, the fence can be looked at in two different ways: a barrier that takes away the cow’s freedom or a protective shield. The story goes on to tell that the cow broke through the fence and ate so much grain that the poor cow died.

What does this mean? Are the “rules” of the Gospel a curse or a blessing?

Upon further contemplation, I realized that not only does the Gospel help me avoid trials; it helps me to deal with them when they do come. I know that I can turn to my Father in Heaven for help and that I am never alone.

The protective force of the Gospel goes even further, thanks to the glorious gift of the Atonement. This gift allows me to progress, both in terms of my spirituality (being forgiven of sin) and in terms of moving through life. As long as I employ the power of the Atonement, I can grow and progress. There is no hardship that can hold me down forever. I can forgive myself and others.

To let go of malice is a beautiful feeling.

Through the volunteer activities in my life, I have had the opportunity to meet some wonderful young people, people full of hope and strength. These children have a testimony of the Savior and want so badly to live their lives to the fullest potential.

What kills me is the roadblocks that are in their paths, many times as a result of their families. No stability, no responsibility (or too much responsibility), dangerous environments, bad examples, no supervision, no encouragement, and very little love.

How was I so blessed to have grown up in a home that was clean and furnished? To have had food on the table and in the cupboards? To have parents who cared enough to punish me? To have been given encouragement and love? To be taught that I am a daughter of God?

I wonder, are people aware that they have the tools to make their lives better? Or do they choose to wallow in their terrible situations because they think it’s easier or more fun or too hard to pull themselves up?

I will probably never understand. But my heart aches for the children, who are products of these environments, who have dreams, dreams which are so much harder for them to achieve.

I guess what this comes down to is a realization that I am blessed beyond belief, more than I could even count or express.

Heavenly Father loves all of us so, so, so much. He wants us to be happy, even though life is hard.

He wants us (that includes you) to be happy.

I am so thankful for my life, my blessings, the Gospel, and the Atonement.