I'm so grateful that I get to learn so much in one week's time. I would like to share something that I've learned that has truly made a huge difference for me this week. I was thinking about Pres. Uchtdorf's talk in General Conference this weekend. I felt like he was speaking directly to me because I know that I'm always trying to do too much. The overall message that I got from that is that I'm not loved any more or any less based on the things I have accomplished. All He asks is that I do my best to work hard and be obedient.
Thinking about that has led me to think a lot about charity - the pure love of Christ. I have really come to feel what it means to have charity for others as I constantly pray to be able to see those I serve in the way that Christ sees and loves them. It's amazing how much love I can feel for people that I don't even know! I know that what I am feeling is the love of Christ. So, throughout the course of my mission, I have come to better understand what it means to have charity for others, which I'm very grateful for. However, this week it has taken on a whole new meaning. I realized that I haven't been feeling charity for myself. I need to see myself as Christ sees me, and love myself as He loves me. I need to pray to recognize the love He has for me more fully in my life and to take time to ponder who I am and what I can become. I need to be more patient, kind, and loving toward myself, just as I would to people that I meet here in the VC. I need to love myself...I know that the love Christ has for all of us is so real and it's time to make that a reality in my own life.
Pray to see yourself as Christ does. Learn to appreciate who you are and love yourself through and through. Make better decisions and choices to show gratitude for the perfect love that is bestowed upon you. Life is so much more pleasant and joyful!! I'll be working on that too. If Christ loves me so much, why shouldn't I love myself too? One of my favorite chapters of the Book of Mormon is Moroni 7. Take time to read and ponder how you can feel that charity more fully in your own life. I know that I am a daughter of God and that I am loved perfectly by my Redeemer. My eyes have been opened to my eternal possibilities and I am so grateful for the knowledge that I have of who I really am. I'm so grateful for my Savior and for His gospel and I'm grateful to be His missionary :)
Aloha,
Sister Stringer
