Deeper Insight

Yesterday, as I was bearing my testimony (some people call it witnessing to others) I was taught something about myself that I hadn't realized before!

My testimony is given in part on this site, but I had an expansion to it when I realized that I had been searching for something. See, from about age 12 until just before I moved out, I would go through these phases of fascination. I wouldn't call them "obsessions", but I would get very interested about one particular hobby or game for several months, than move to something else. At the time, I called them my fads.

I went through chess, go (or baduk), Rubik's Cubes, Starcraft, airsoft guns, boffering, Society for Creative Anachronism, drawing, and untold books and book series. (At least seven long series that I can think of off the top of my head.) I also read books about each of the items on this list. I also put a lot of time and thought into a book series that I myself wanted to write someday (and still do, kinda). Probably a few other things, too.

All through these years, I was an active member in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I read my scriptures pretty often, I attended Church, and said my prayers, because I felt good when I did.

I said that to say this: most of the people who go and search for something go through religions. Not me. I was already content with my religion, and had evidences of its truthfulness even at that age. But I was searching for something! It makes me laugh out loud to think of it now.

I was looking for a direction to grow, for a way to build and create new things. I wanted to build myself up and develop myself. I wanted knowledge. I wanted purpose. All of these things, and I never realized that I was even looking!

Woah! What a lightning strike when I realized that, because I have finished my search. I found it as I have served this mission for the Lord. I hadn't even noticed my fulfilled feelings until I shared my testimony with someone else. Then all of this spilled out of my mouth, and I was surprised at myself as I said it.

The gospel of Jesus Christ is the very best place for us to focus our energy. In it we can gain lasting knowledge and fulfillment. We can help and build others up. We can give of our time and talents, and they will not go to waste. We can find purpose, and we can find ourselves.

I am so blessed to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It has shaped me and blessed me. It will do the same for anyone who will experiment upon what I have said, and try it for themselves. It is true.