How 3 Insights from President Freeman Are Helping Me Figure Out My Next Steps
With less than a week of my mission left, I really wanted to know what was next.
The finish line of my mission was in sight—and coming way too fast.
I’d loved being a missionary, and I’d had so many wonderful experiences.
But as general conference began, I was looking for guidance for after my mission. I ended up finding three pieces of counsel right at the beginning!
Act in My Own Life
As I listened to the first session, the words of President Emily Belle Freeman, Young Women General President, hit me:
“Emma didn’t just stand at that window and wonder.”
I’d been looking for a job for after my service mission, but it was a half-hearted effort. I wanted to enjoy these last couple weeks of being a missionary without stressing about the future.
But I realized that I had been figuratively standing at the window.
A job wouldn’t fall into my lap—I needed to put in the work.
Know My Identity
President Freeman also taught, “The Lord reminded Emma of her place in His plan, including who she was and whose she was.”
I had spent significant time as a missionary, always wearing His name over my heart. In a few days, I would have to remove the nametag that had meant everything.
But I’m still Heavenly Father’s daughter. Nothing can change that. Wearing the nametag is an obvious way to show everyone that I’m a disciple of Christ, but I can continue to show that through my actions and words.
Find Meaning in Ordinances
President Freeman invited us to “study and ponder the Aaronic and the Melchizedek Priesthood ordinances, the covenant promises we make with each, and the power of God we access through those ordinances.”
While circumstances might not allow you to attend the temple every week, make a goal to remember and ponder the covenants you have made with God. Become or remain worthy of your recommend. As President Freeman does, “Cherish [your] temple recommend.”
As both a teaching and service missionary, I interpreted the sacrament prayers to American Sign Language and was a temple ordinance worker. Both opportunities required me to focus on the words of the ordinances, allowing them to become more than just a memorized, repeated speech. This made the ordinances feel more special.
Focusing on the words is something I can continue after my mission. I know that spending time in the temple brings blessings and fortifies me throughout the difficulties of life.
We Can Live Up to Our Privileges—Now and throughout Our Lives
If you’re in that same unknown place of life as I am—whether you’re finishing a mission or starting a new phase of life—know that you can be a disciple of Christ, no matter your situation. You are Heavenly Father’s child and destined to become like Him.
The future may be uncertain. But like I did, I hope you can take these insights and counsel as a bit of reassurance for your life. You have a “place in His plan.”