Continue as you Commenced

To "commence" means to begin or start.
Once again, I "commenced" in reading "Act In Doctrine" by Elder Bednar. As always, I gained knew insight and perspective from this great man.

Still on the topic of Moral Agency, he titled the section header: "Continue as you Commenced."

I had heard the word many times in the scriptures, especially in 1 Nephi when Lehi is relating his dream to his children, telling of those who commenced "along the path that lead to the tree of life."

We are all on a journey. Some of us may even be on multiple journeys at the same time. A constant journey for us is one that is leading towards the tree of life.

Some journeys may be through college.

For me, my journey is towards my mission. Starting my mission papers was a journey. Waiting for my call was a journey. And now preparing for my mission-- that's a journey. Journeys are great!

But, what made you start your journey in the first place?

A Step.

A Choice.

A Determination. Enthusiasm. Dreams. Ambition.  Desire. A point of commencement. A need to begin. To start. To Become Something New. To go someplace you'd never thought you could go before. But now you Believe.
So, now, You Can.

Granted, those steps are so easy sometimes though. Hesitation. Fear. Pride. Charlie Horse? But you began! You Commenced! And after that, it was one foot after the other. Sure, you will still have fears. You will still get Charlie Horses. But don't let that stop you! "Continue as you Commenced!"

Take the enthusiasm of the first step with you until your last! Endure to the End! Don't let the length, depth, or steepness of the journey make you falter one second in your steps towards that one worthy goal, the tree of life. Of a Life with God. A God who knows and loves you individually! Keep walking. Stretch a bit if you have to. But don't stop. And don't you dare go back! 



Continuing as I have commenced,
(Mission bound in 31 DAYS!!!)
Hermanita Holly Howell