Saturday, December 3, 2011

Whatever It Takes

This quote brings a lot of feelings back to me, and I really want to share it.
More than forty years ago I had a dream, which I am sure was from the Lord. In this dream I was in the presence of my Savior as he stood in mid-air. He spoke no word to me, but my love for him was such that I have not words to explain. I know that no mortal man can love the Lord as I experienced that love for the Savior unless God reveals it unto him. I would have remained in his presence, but there was a power drawing me away from him, and as a result of that dream I had this feeling, that no matter what might be required at my hands, what the gospel might entail unto me, I would do what I should be asked to do, even to the laying down of my life. 
And so when we read in the scriptures what the Savior said to his disciples:
In my Father's house are many mansions: . . . I go to prepare a place for you . . . that where I am, there ye may be also  (John 14:2-3).
I think that is where I want to be. If only I can be with my Savior and have that same sense of love that I had in that dream, it will be the goal of my existence, the desire of my life. 
George F. Richards, Conference Report, October 1946, pp. 137-141
One of my favorite songs while serving a mission was "Whatever It Takes." It's an EFY song that I think I'm going to try to arrange a version that doesn't sound 90's cheesy. I think all that needs to be taken away is the synthesizer. The song itself is beautiful.

I've had experiences like this one George F. Richards talked about, on a smaller scale, and I hope to have many more. The Savior's love amazes me, and it changes me when I feel it. I hope to be more in tune with Him so I notice it more often. I need to invite more light into my life. And if I can just feel His love, I should have the strength to keep going.

"I'll give up everything I've ever had.
Now that my heart's had a taste of what awaits,
I'll do whatever it takes."

2 comments:

Aliandria said...

My favorite verse:

His quiet whisperings to my soul
are the treasures I hope for most.
Returning to his loving arms
is the thing that matters most.
When I am weak and the journey's long
I'll always come back to this place
Where my faith is strong and every doubt is gone
And I can feel this way

Gerry Baird said...

This is absolutely beautiful, Ali! Thank you for providing me with some much-needed inspiration :)