Inspiration Struck During FSY Training: Day Three 6/3/22
I wrote this 6/10/22
Tonight was our last night with our company. My heart feels broken, but I also feel grateful.
I love these youth with all my heart and soul. It makes me think about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ’s love for us. If I love these youth THIS MUCH, how is it even possible that He loves us that much and more? It’s crazy to think about but also really comforting.
One of the young men tonight mentioned that he was surprised that I hadn’t given up on him. Honestly, I was extremely taken aback and kind of shocked.
Give up on him? How could I possibly do that? UMMM no. I love this kid with all my heart and would NEVER EVER EVER give up on him.
Once again, I thought about the Savior. How often do people wonder why the Savior hasn’t given up on them yet? How many times do they wonder if they are worth saving? Worthy of love? Of care? Of attention?
I am not the Savior, and I am not claiming to be. BUT, I hope that this young man knows (and all my kids, really) that I would never give up on him (and on them). And as I would never give up on them, the Savior will not either. Ever. It is not possible for him to give up on them. Their names are etched into his heart and soul. The scars a reminder on his hands and wrists and on his feet. A reminder of them. A reminder of MY KIDS. A reminder of YOU.
Since tonight was our last night, the handbook suggests that each counselor end with their testimony. I felt prompted to share this from the handbook, “Though uncertain of his own standing before God and unable to find a religion that felt right, Joseph gained confidence that God existed and was worth reaching toward” (FSY Handbook 54). I testified that the gospel of Jesus Christ is WORTH IT. A relationship with Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father is WORTH IT. A testimony of the truth of the gospel is WORTH IT.
It is worth the effort. It is worth the confusion. It is worth the hurt. It is worth the pain. It is worth it.
God exists and is worth reaching toward. Worth reaching for.
When I did this activity on Joseph Smith with my girls on Thursday, I started tearing up while adding to their thoughts. The fact that God exists and is WORTH REACHING TOWARD touches my heart so deeply and profoundly. He is worth the persecution we may receive. He is worth the hard times. He is worth reaching toward. And of all this, the best part is that He will reach back.
In fact, He is waiting for us to reach out so He can grasp us and hold us in His arms. He is there, and He is waiting.
Saying goodbye tonight was so incredibly difficult. The young men wanted to just spend time together. They didn’t want to say goodbye. They didn’t want to part ways. The hard part was that I didn’t want to either, but as a counselor, it is my job to follow the rules.
One of the young men said that he doesn’t normally say this, but that he will truly miss me. Do you have any idea what this did to my heart? How much I wanted to express to him that he has absolutely NO IDEA how much he is loved. No idea how amazing he is. No idea that his unspoken testimony touches me deeply.
I LOVE these kids. These youth. These warriors. These elect souls. I love them, and I will never forget them. And knowing that these youth love me back fills my heart with love and happiness.
As to my girls, I was grateful to walk up the stairs with them and go into their room one last time to say goodbye. To sing a Taylor Swift song together. To soak in the moment and see each girl for who they truly are: someone worth saving. Someone that I love. Someone who is absolutely beautiful. Someone whose divine worth is beyond comprehension.
I will FOREVER treasure the moments I had with them. I will forever cherish the looks of happiness they gave me. I will forever remember their hugs and kind words.
SOOOO
Although I got sunburned, although my feet are the size of swollen plums, although my shoulders ache and my back hurts, although I am physically exhausted in every sense of the word, it was all worth it.
These kids were worth it. They were worth reaching toward. And I hope they know that and NEVER forget it.
Beautifully said!! We will sure
Miss you!! And singing Taylor swift was pretty cool💗💗🤟🏽
I’ll miss you too girlfriend!
I know you and I weren’t as close but when I saw you and how much you treasures us (the youth) it made me feel so appreciated and looked out for. I truly felt that you were the perfect one for the job you were given and you connected so well with the spirit and us kids that it was an amazing experience to be able to get to know that and see that.
When we were at Testimony meeting I could just feel the spirit radiating off you and when I saw you crying I knew that you were a pure heart and we’re ready to take in the gospel and seek to improve yourself just like we learned this week and it really helped me.
I hope that you know that you are seen and you have made a big impact on the people around you in a positive and spiritual way. And that Heavenly Father knows and loves the example and the things that you are doing.
I am so thankful for this week and having you as one of my counselors along with Joseph and Andraya. It was a wonderful week and I will treasure it beyond words can compare. And I owe that all to you guys. So thank you so much.
Wow. Daphne I can’t thank you enough for your comment. I’m saving this to my journal. Thank you so much. It was an honor to have you in our company. I’m extremely grateful.
Kyra, profound! I love it!!! I have had a wonderful day where I felt so close to my Savior and Heavenly Father… I felt His presence as I gave A very difficult RS lesson. This post caps off my day. It is WORTH it!! The Lord is right there teaching with us, helping us to bear testimony, and carrying our burdens I know. I LOVE OUR SAVIOR!! I feel grateful for the Atonement. Thank you for your inspiration..
Kyra,
It’s amazing what the spirit has taught you over the last two/three weeks! Great things lie ahead for you, because you ARE willing to give your all for the Master. You realize how much the Savior has given you and so you are giving it right back to others. That is our purpose in life, to show His love through our example, so others know they can come to Him as well. You are doing a wonderful job of that! I remember that time in your life when things were dark and dreary. You have now allowed the Savior to light your path instead. Right on Kyra! So proud of you! Love you, Aunt Melissa
I love you Kyra and will miss you with all of my heart!!! You’re amazing!
Oh my darling Marlie! I can only say the same for you!
😘
thank you so much Kyra for being such and amazing counselor and mentor for me to look up too! i will miss you so much ❤️
You’re so sweet. Thank you Mia!
It was a pleasure and I will miss you too. 💜
Great Post! As amazing as your posts are, it is equally inspiring to see the comments of all those hearts that you continue to touch. Love your testimony and I am so grateful that you are able to enjoy such a fantastic opportunity to share your love of the Savior.