Am I Committed?

I think I have a commitment issue, and I think it ties in with procrastination. Too often I set a goal and then do it when I feel like it or just for a few days until I fizzle out.

One example is exercising. Too often I just don't do it. I don't get up in time or I say I'm tired or just find other things to do. I do the same thing with just going to bed and getting up by a specific time. I get distracted at night then realize the time. Then in the morning I have a hard time getting up, seeing as I have no where to go right away and it feels good to just sleep.

All too often this is a pattern in my life. I start reading a book and say I'll finish it by this time but only read it every so often. I think to myself, the dishes need doing, then go do something else that is much less productive. But this pattern must end.

Pres. Uchtdorf said in this month's Ensign, "Those who are only sort of committed may expect to only sort of receive the blessings of testimony, joy, and peace. The windows of heaven might only be sort of open to them. Wouldn’t it be foolish to think, 'I’ll commit myself 50 percent now, but when Christ appears at the Second Coming, I’ll commit myself 100 percent'?"

I can't get by on good intentions. I must leap off the cliff rather than stand at the edge. I need to stop retreating into a shell of apathy and comfort.

"So wake up and do something more than dream of your mansion above; doing good is a pleasure, a joy beyond measure..."

As Pres. Uchtdorf declares, action is the key. I have a mission to prepare for and after that, a career. So I need to stop debating over whether to do those little things that lead to the great and just do it.

"In some way, each of us stands at a decision point overlooking the water. It is my prayer that we will have faith, move forward, face our fears and doubts with courage, and say to ourselves, 'I’m committed!'"

I don't want to get to the judgement bar with a pocket full of good intentions. I'd much rather get there with a bucket full of climbed hills and mountains.

After all, "if you pile up enough tomorrows, all you get is a bunch of empty yesterdays."

Called to Serve

I have been called to serve in the Canada Toronto Mission and I will be speaking Spanish. I'm excited and scared. It's a big step into a new world where all I do every day is think about, read about, study about, and teach about the gospel of Jesus Christ. I look forward to the growth I know I will experience, but I hope I'm up to the challenge. I have to remember, however, that with God, all things are possible and another scripture gives me comfort: D&C 84:88-89

"And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hears, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.

"Whoso receiveth you receiveth me...."

I know that this call comes from the Lord and I am humbled that He sees so much potential in me. I pray that I can live up to that potential, and I am determined to do so.