It's Never Too Late

I must preface this post with a bit of history about me. 13 years ago I was a Laurel in the Young Women's program at church. I had every opprotunity to earn this award just like every Young Woman, but when I looked through the book I found daunting projects and value experiences that I really could not connect with and felt were of no real significance to do. Plus, I was friends with others who felt the same way as I did, and I received no motivation from them either. Not that I blame them. I felt empowered by making my own decisions by myself and what I felt to be right and good for me in the moment, even while trying to hold on to some of the Gospel principles. Which, over time, I learned you cannot do. You cannot serve two masters. So, I turned my back on the Personal Progress Program, leaders, parents, maybe, even at times, my sisters, all for what I felt to be right. Fast forward through 12 years of ups and major downs, I am called to be a leader in the YW program in my ward. I was very excited to serve with the Young Women, and be able to share my experiences with them. Meeting after meeting, the Spirit would confirm to me the different reasons why I was in this calling, many I know, some I am still learning. I know that I am here to be an example to these girls, share my experiences and encourage them to choose the right. Then one day I found out that leaders could earn their mediallions, the Spirit rushed through me again. I was soo excited. I grabbed my book, and set to work. I set goals, learned how to garden, sewed a blanket for my sister, and read the entire Book of Mormon. Reading the Book of Mormon was the final requirement that I needed to complete, which stretched me the most. After 2 years of working on my Personal Progress, I found myself standing by the pulpit at church while the Bishop read my certificate, tears welling up in my eyes, as I awaited to receive my Young Womanhood Recognition. I have a strong testimony of the Personal Progress Program and the Value Experiences the YW, Leaders, even their Mothers and Grandmothers are asked to complete. I learned more about myself and my Savior. I often have flashbacks, wanting to feel, what these YW feel for the program, mutual, Girls Camp, Temple Trips etc., but when I look back, the excitment they have wasn't there. But, now it is. I am thankful for this time being in YW and being able to replace all those memories with happier ones, and to top it off, the void of not receiving my mediallion has now been filled. I was able to share this day with the YW I serve (3 of which also earned their mediallions too), and most of all I got to share this moment with my husband and my boys. I know my Heavenly Father was smiling down on me, I know I couldn't have done it without him. Even though I've earned my award the principles I learned, I am still actively striving to be better at.