From faraway lands...

This week, has been one of reflection. I got set apart as the Primary Pianist on Sunday, and although it's not an "Oh-so-glorious" calling, when I was set-apart, a received a truly inspirational blessing. It made me think about all of the changes and opportunities for growth our Heavenly Father puts in our paths. One challenge that has faced me (and my family, I can't be selfish) was when my wonderful sister, and one of my best friends, made the decision to serve a mission almost 2 years ago. She has been faithfully serving and sharing the gospel with the wonderful people of Japan. When I say I can't be selfish, I refer to the call for growth that these challenges present to us. I know that I was not the only one in my family that found it hard to let her go... and not the only to experience the personal growth that only comes from supporting those that have been called to serve the Lord. We had shared a room growing up since I was 5(until we moved to Syracuse). We shared so much over the years...laughing, crying, yelling, and screaming. But there were the tender moments that reminded us how important sisters are. One instance I can remember was when we were young, I think I was 9 years old, and she had just turned 7. She came over to my bed one night in tears. For her birthday, a few days earlier, she had received a 10 dollar bill as gift. She had lost it, and didn't know what to do. She had knelt to pray and asked Heavenly Father to help her find it. When she couldn't find it, she came to me in tears. I remember her saying, "Can you pray to find it, because I don't think Heavenly Father answers my prayers, but I know he answers yours, because you told me that he did one time." I hugged and said that Heavenly Father answers all prayers, but you have to listen and have the Holy Ghost help you. I suggested we pray together, and she insisted that I say it. Sure enough, the next morning, she found her money, and gave me a smile, that I felt all the way across the room. As we've gotten older, at least in my mind, the roles have changed. She has been such a rock and beacon in my life. Although she lived over an hour away, I could call her at a moments notice to cry or to laugh again. The week after she left, I had a bad week, and I picked up the phone, and realized that I couldn't call her for comfort. I realized that as much as I leaned on her, I didn't lean nearly as much as I should on the Savior and the promise that we should take his yoke upon us, and our burdens will be light. The last 18 months have been a challenge, and I have grown more than I ever thought possible. She will be home in 6 weeks, and I have never been more eager to talk to her, not to share my burdens with her, but to share my triumphs.