FOUND: The Light of Christ

I visited Temple Square in Salt Lake City, UT today. We walked around, looked at the lights, and watched the Joseph Smith movie. Because of the lights Temple Square was not only beautiful, but magical. And it wasn't just the lights on the trees that I noticed either. So many of the people walking around had a light in their eyes, the light of Christ. Something that I seem to have lost lately.

I realized yesterday, after the First Presidency gave the annual Christmas devotional, that I have been seriously lacking in my daily prayer, scripture study, and general Christ-like living. Maybe I have been too focused on school and self, maybe I've disillusioned myself with the notion that I'm just too busy for church. Regardless of my excuse, I realized yesterday that I've simply been too selfish with my time. When I take a step back and think about all the blessings I've received from following God's commandments, or the warm, rushing sensation I feel when the Spirit is present, I ask myself why I am not spending every minute seeking to better myself and receive these feelings once more. After a great church meeting, the devotional, extensive scripture study, and a visit to Temple Square I have suddenly developed this insatiable desire to devote all of my time and effort to my church and my God.

My Book of Mormon professor, Todd Parker, taught us that everything typifies of Christ, and it wasn't until today that I began to look for Christ in everything. I have seen His hand in my life so often today and I have read numerous scriptures that apply to my life. The scriptures are the best. I am so happy to have been born in the covenant -I can't imagine life without the church- but I feel that because I have grown up with the Book of Mormon I often fail to appreciate it. I don't take advantage of the incredible, one-in-a-million opportunity that has been given to me. Therefore, I have committed myself to daily scripture study and prayer. I cannot sit idle any longer, for I have rediscovered my light, and I don't plan to let go of it any time soon.