It was a long and sometimes discouraging journey. I read lots of scriptures, I journaled, I pondered, I prayed, I gave-up and tried again and felt like I was getting nowhere. A year or two ago, I did a TJEd Family Builder Class where we did a vision walk that was supposed to guide us to our mission. The only thought I got from it was that my mission had something to do with education, but I didn't know what or how.
There were several scriptures I thought that seemed good, but never felt "right". The first scripture I read was at the beginning of Alma where Alma the younger gives up the judgment seat to go among the people to "stir them up in remembrance of their duty." The word stir struck a chord with me and I wondered if my mission had to do with that?
Then my mentor had me read The Allegory of the Cave and I leaned the importance of sharing with others the things that you learn--bringing them from darkness to light. Could that be part of my mission? I kept reading and found more scriptures that fit. D&C 88:81 reads "Behold, I sent you out to testify and warn the people, and it becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor." Luke 22:32 says something similar, "But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren." I kept getting the impression that because I have been blessed to know, it is my responsibility to teach and help others. I also read a lot of scriptures about light and darkness. Luke 1:79 says "To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace."
Finally, I read my patriarchal blessing. I probably should have started with it, but I wonder if it would have meant as much if I didn't go through the whole processes of studying and pondering. One of the first things the blessing says is that I "will be able to understand God's purpose for [me] here on earth." That was what I was searching for! A few lines later it says that I will "use what I gain to help and strengthen others." That was it, that was my my purpose--to help and strengthen others through what I had gained.
My next step was to put that thought into a mission statement. I wrote down some lines and left it at that for the moment, thinking I would be able to perfect it later. A few days later the kids and I were listening to a Matisyahu song called "One Day". In it he sings ". . .don't take me now 'cause I am here for a reason." I wondered what his reason/purpose is. I said to the kids "I have a reason, wanna hear it?" Ephram said yes, so I read the kids my mission statement. I only got to the second line before I started crying. The spirit was telling me "Yes--that is what you are here for." It was an awesome feeling. That was the first time I read it aloud. I still have yet to perfect it, but I guess it doesn't really matter. Part of it I wrote on a 3x5 card and attached it my mirror so I can see it and read it everyday. Being close to my mission will help me be aware of opportunities that may come my way.
Because I have been taught it is my responsibility to teach others.
I am a vessel of light and truth.
I will help and strengthen others by sharing what I have gained.
I will give light to those that sit in darkness (Luke 1:79).
I know I have helped others when I have felt the Spirit working through me.
