Heartfelt Reflection

Being extremely sick the past few days has given me time to ponder on important things. Even though I've been down in bed much of the time, my waking thoughts have stayed in the vicinity of what God wants from

me, and for me this new year, and I can't help feeling gratitude for the time of reflection. The moments of enlightenment were exactly what I needed. So yes, despite being ill with a stomach virus that I've sometimes felt would hold on until the second coming, I'm grateful for the spiritual impressions that came.

I mentally talked with Heavenly Father about many things, and He impressed upon me some things that I will try with everything in me to hold onto.
The impression that hit me the most and remains at the forefront of my mind is that I need to be better. I need to be better in every aspect of my life, and because the life He has given me is such a gift, I cannot squander a single minute of it. I need to show forth more love to my fellow man. I need to exercise more patience. I need to serve more. I need to study the Lord's gospel even more and internalize its truths and principles. I need to fully come to know my Savior, to actively seek to do His will and be at one with Him every second of the day.

I need to smile even when I don't feel like smiling, to pray for others constantly, and to look for the good in everything, because God always places a silver lining in every situation, even if it is only a trace, just enough for us to seek it out.
In essence, I need to become like Christ.
To some, what I suggest is impossible, but I promise you, it isn't. With God, nothing is impossible.
Even as I sit here writing this post, the impression of how short our days in this part of our existence are is weighing even more heavily on my mind and heart.

We have been blessed with a new year - a new start, and a new opportunity to fix our minds and hearts on the important things, to focus on what really matters. The Lord has stayed His hand yet a little longer, not only for me, but for all of us. God the Father wants to be our ONLY god. Things don't matter. Wants and desires don't matter unless they are in alignment with His wants and plans for us. His son, Jesus Christ, has prepared a place for His own. He atoned in the garden of Gethsemane, shedding His precious blood and taking upon Him our sins, then He finished His work with the sacrificing of His life on the cross. Because of His love for us, He gave His all for us, paying the price we could never pay.
And with a tender mercy that we may not truly appreciate, His hand is stayed a little longer.
I for one, will not let this mercy done for me be done in vain.
I appreciate you guys!