President Monson announced in October (2012) that the age of
missionaries was changing to 19 instead of 21. I'm sure
my reaction was similar to some of yours. The reaction of my roommates
was a collectively breath then an eruption of exclamations. The age change made serving a mission a real possibility. I
knew then that I wanted to go on a mission. I have known since I was
about 14 that a mission was something I wanted to do. I had gotten to
know one of the sister missionaries well and was inspired by her to serve.
I have received countless confirmations since that time but as I saw that
so many people were going to serve after the announcement, for some reason I
wondered if I was going with the crowd or if I really wanted to go myself. This
resulted in creating for myself a roller coaster of decisions. One
day I would say yes and another it was a definite no. Still other
days I thought, maybe not yet, later. Satan has been working hard on
filling my mind with doubt and fear, but I finally made a decision. As
soon as I did my mom said, "Call the Bishop now before you change your
mind again!" I did and instantly felt peace and contentment. I
know that I have made the right choice.
I’m grateful for the gospel. I think in wonder sometimes
that I have won the lottery in being born into the gospel, especially at a time
I can serve. Now I know that I was chosen to come to this time and
place before I was born. It was not a random golden ticket. I
know that the Holy Ghost is real because I have felt its influence so many
times in my life. I have felt its touch when I have seen a view from
the top of a mountain, listened to a beautiful rendition of a hymn, or read a
book that put into words perfectly what I felt. I have felt it's touch
when I have heard words of truth, especially when reading the Book of Mormon
and while praying. I have felt its touch on my mind when I have
needed to make a decision. It has even placed thoughts into my mind
and produced clarity when before my mind was a blur. I have a
testimony of Jesus Christ. I know that he came to this earth and
lived a perfect life. He gave us an example that influenced the
entire world. He suffered for my sins and pains. He chose
to die on Calvary and follow His father’s commands. I know that the
Heavenly Father lives and loves me. He watches over me and has,
through the Holy Ghost, expressed his love for me. I reciprocate
that love now by making the decision to serve his will on a mission.
I know Joseph Smith received a vision at age 14 that changed the
world. He saw God and the son. He restored the fullness
of the gospel that Jesus had taught in his lifetime. He sacrificed
his whole life to bring about the church and was selfless in every aspect of his life. The gospel did not
die with him, but continued on with Brigham Young. The saints
sacrificed far more than I would be able to in order to build up God’s
kingdom. The restoration is pure truth. God reveals his
word through Thomas S. Monson today and directs His church through him. I know God lives and I am so grateful to have the opportunity to share this knowledge with the people I meet in my life.
