Love Unfeigned

I recently took the time to look back over my life, and identify some of the times when I was the most happy. There have been really fun memories, such as family vacations I've been on and summers with my friends in high school. There have been fulfilling moments of accomplishment, such as musical performances I took part in and successes in academics. There have also been experiences of spiritual growth, such as camps with my church youth groups, gospel study in my home, and miracles as a full-time missionary. These are the moments of time in my history that stand taller than the rest. Why is that? What is it that these experiences have in common that have caused them to be so joyful to me?

The answer I arrived at was this: people. The sweetness of these moments came from the dear people I shared them with. It wasn't so much about WHAT I was doing, but who was doing it with me. I've come to the conclusion that people are one of the greatest, if not the greatest, sources of my joy.

The Lord's prophet, Thomas S. Monson, emphasized that in our lives "what is most important almost always involves the people around us" (President Thomas S. Monson, "Finding Joy in the Journey," October conference, 2008). As I have personally come to this realization, my relationships have become extremely precious to me. I want to make the most of every moment with people. I want them to know how much they mean to me. I want to love.

This is extremely easy to forget. Often we go through our lives, and get very caught up in WHAT we're doing, whether that's work, school, or in my case, daily missionary to-do's. We don't spend time with those we love, or if we do, we don't cherish that time.

For the past 6 weeks, I have been working with Elder Arnett as my mission companion. Elder Arnett has been one of my favorite companions. Over this past while, he has become one of my closest friends. Only a few days ago, we received the unexpected news that Elder Arnett would be transferred to a different area. It was hard for me to hear. I felt like I had not yet spent as much time with him as I would have liked. I was still looking forward to future experiences and time spent together. After hearing that he was leaving, I was inclined to ask myself, "Did I make the most of the time I had to serve with Elder Arnett? Does he know how grateful I am for his friendship? Was there more I could've done?"

I believe that this small experience is a microcosm of our entire earthly life. For each of us, there will come that time when our allotment of years on the earth will run out, and our opportunities to spend time with our loved ones, at least while in this life, will have passed. At that point, we will be left with the results of the choices we have already made, whether they be sweet or bitter.  President Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the First Presidency of the church reminded that "If we fail to give our best personal self and undivided time to those who are truly important to us, one day we will regret it. Let us resolve to cherish those we love by spending meaningful time with them, doing things together, and cultivating treasured memories. (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Of Regrets and Resolutions" October conference, 2012).

Surely we can also find lasting peace in knowing that this short time spent on earth is not all we get. Because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ we may live with our loved ones in the next life as well, and for all eternity. But these years of earthly experience are extremely precious, and we will never be able to live them again. Let us savor each second we have with our friends and family, that when our time does come, we may leave the earth with peace in our hearts and a smile on our face.

I want to take a moment to express my love for all of you. Each person I've met, whether close family or just met once on the street, has enriched my life--and I truly mean that. Nothing means more to me than my relationships. Nothing brings me more joy. YOU are the reason I live the gospel--so I can be with you forever.

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