What her future holds...

I’ve been thinking about what I would tell this little girl about her life if I had the chance. I smile to think of the fun days ahead in high school--amazing friends, playing sports, and dating. Then moving onto college, waiting for a missionary, and living the dream of being married in the temple and starting her family. She will have children all of whom will be the greatest gifts and blessings in her life. Motherhood will be her greatest joy.

Then I think of the pain that lies in her path. She will be hurt in ways that her innocence could have never imagined possible. All she ever hoped for will be ripped from her hands—more than once. Behind the scenes in her life, and the happy face she keeps for her children, she will cry and be broken. Darkness will threaten to overthrow her spirit. But she will move forward, moment by moment, because that is all she can do and her children will depend on her to do it.

That little girl has no clue what is to come, but as I have thought about it, I’m so grateful for that. She will grow to understand that even when she doesn't have much to give, it will always be enough. She will be blessed with strength beyond her own. Her faith will be tested, but she will get to experience miracles so personal and perfect that she will know with the deepest surety that she has infinite worth. Her deepest sorrows will lead to her greatest rejoicing. She will get to discover all the beautiful moments that make up a meaningful life. I’ve realized I wouldn’t want to tell her what is to come because it would rob her of the learning and understanding that allows for such discoveries and treasures of truth.  

There is so much wisdom in Heavenly Father’s plan. Sometimes our greatest Goliath can be the Unknown, but how beautiful the “not knowing” is in that it gives us the opportunity to grow during difficult times and cherish more deeply all the goodness we experience. The Unknown surfaces our hope which leads us to as much beauty, adventure, peace, and joy that we are willing to seek and live worthy of. So if it came to it, all I would tell that little girl is simply (and magnificently!) that she is loved and known by her Creator. Because of that love, her future has every possibility of all the happiness and joy that life could ever offer. And that’s the reality for everyone—Heavenly Father loves and is aware of each and every one of us. His plan for each of us truly is a plan of HAPPINESS!