Havens in the Storms of Life

A couple of weeks ago, I had the opportunity to play the piano for our ward's first sacrament meeting since holding church in our home. I wanted to make sure I took some time to play the piano in the chapel before that Sunday, so I borrowed a key and headed over to the building on Saturday afternoon. As I balanced my hymn books and belongings and made my way into the foyer, I was completely unprepared for what happened. I looked around at the furniture, the office doors, the artwork depicting the Savior, and within a matter of seconds, it was as though every church building I had ever attended throughout my life became clear in my mind. Meetings, services, callings, activities, interviews, funerals, early-morning seminary, baptisms, firesides, General Conference sessions. Every moment...all of them were present. And as I stood there in the silence with the knowledge that no one else was there, I began to weep: for each of the memories soaring through my mind, I wept. All of these church buildings, all had been havens from the storms of life. I prayed, through my tears, with such gratitude in my heart for all of the blessings my Father in Heaven has given me. I prayed, out loud, that He would continue to bless me and my family for the things of which we currently stand in need. I prayed that I could continue to be an instrument in His hands. 

Sisters, the Church - the gospel of Jesus Christ - has been the one sure, constant part of my life that has consistently brought me peace, assurance, and purpose. No matter where I have been or whatever my circumstances, I know that my testimony and my ability to be able to rely on the Savior can remain steady and unshaken. The last few months in particular have made it increasingly difficult to stand on solid ground and anchor our faith when so much noise vies for our attention, but even in my darkest hours, I know that the Savior is with me and does not leave me comfortless. In this mortal existence, there is much that is confusing, disappointing, and unstable. We will all be let down by someone or something, either relatively insignificant or completely devastating. But still, I choose to believe. I choose to believe that Jesus Christ, our Elder Brother and our Redeemer, does not fail us. I choose to believe in Him and the joy that He brings; I am grateful for the opportunity to make this choice each day.

 "Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great." Doctrine and Covenants 64:33

~Jessica Tokar