My Divine Identity

Romans 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: ~KJV

I had a realization last night when I was visiting with and introducing myself to my new bishopric member and his wife. I realized that I am pretty dang awesome. I don’t say this to sound arrogant, but more as positive reinforcement so that I can look back on it to remind myself that it is true.

But really… I am actually a pretty exceptional human being. I am pretty well rounded, I have high moral standards (compared to the rest of the world), I have a super solid testimony and a fairly good working knowledge of the gospel. I am intelligent and ambitious. And I even have a decent personality to mesh all those things together.

I might not currently be a sports fanatic, but I was at one point. That has given me the ability to appreciate a good sporting event here and there, especially attending live events. I also know how to work hard and get dirt under my fingernails. Don’t mistake me for a complete Tom-boy though. I also love to cook. That is a talent that I hope to develop more in the future. I am also passionate about the piano. I don’t pretend to be an amazing concert pianist, and I don’t need to. I’m perfectly happy playing for my own pleasure and sharing with others when the occasion calls for it. I love to dance. I’ve learned nine different dance genres before. Again, I don’t pretend to be a professional performer, but I won’t lie; I’m a pretty decent dancer. And most importantly, I enjoy it. I like to relax and watch all sorts of movies. But I have learned my lesson before and do not enjoy watching sleazy reality TV shows, or even crude sitcoms. I do have some standards, and I like to keep that trash out of my brain. But don’t worry; I’m not a couch potato whose life revolves around movies. I LOVE school and can’t get enough knowledge. I have high hopes and want to gain as much education as I possibly can. I spend a disgusting amount of time at the library studying and doing my best to earn good grades. I’m not a complete book worm though. I thrive on positive personal relationships. I love to be around friends. I love to listen when they need to talk. I love throwing parties and playing games. I’m not shy about making new friends.

I served a full time mission for my church. The list of skills and character traits that I developed from that experience is endless. I’ll let you fill in the blanks. But the most important thing is that I have a firm testimony of my Savior, Jesus Christ. I know that because of him I never have to walk my path alone. He makes it possible for me to leave my sins and mistakes in the past and become better from them. I know that He restored his church to the earth through a young man named Joseph Smith. I know that part of that restoration was restoring precious truths and guidelines to help us through the trials of life and prepare us to live with God forever someday. I know that God has more in store for me than I can even imagine all because I am a child of God. I am the daughter of a divine King.

I know that I am in no way, shape, or form perfect. I have just as many flaws and weaknesses as the next guy. I could write a whole blog post about them (although that would a depressingly stupid idea). I’ve always seen those flaws as carrying more weight in my character make-up than they really do. I’ve always seen myself as exceptionally average. And in some ways I am. But last night I had a stroke of insight where God allowed me to see in myself all of the great things that he sees in me. It was a very empowering moment, but also a very humbling moment. I know that the life events that define me were divinely orchestrated by a loving Heavenly Father. I am who he wants me to be right now, and I am becoming the person he wants me to be in the future.