Why do I matter?

Out of the blue, I got a Facebook message from a woman I've never met, but we have a similar interest, so we're 'friends.'  I had never actually talked to her in any way.  About a year after we became friends, she messaged me and said that through my Facebook posts, I introduced her to a world she knew nothing about, but that intrigued her. Turns out she became interested in learning about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and had joined the church!  She was experiencing great joy and wanted me to know!   Because the church brings me so much joy, I cried tears of joy for her.  That was one of the most astounding things I have been a part of. I had simply lived my life, but it had a HUGE impact on a stranger.

My business writing teacher assigned the class to keep a blog - to write about something that I learn each week and why it matters to my life.  I assumed that the only people who would read my blog would be those from my class.  I have been watching the blog stats and have been surprised to see that people are reading my blog not only from my class but also in Alaska, Russia, and now Australia.  People all around the world are reading about my life, my thoughts, my beliefs.  I wasn't expecting that. It feels a little strange.

Truthfully, I want to be a force for good in the world and hope that what I write will help people accept where they are in their lives and help them to try a little harder to be a little better -  and to be patient with themselves while they change.  I hope that people will not be afraid to look at themselves truthfully, and honestly evaluate themselves, accept their flaws, and then strive to overcome them. I hope the people who read my blog will know that the Lord loves them, and that nothing they can do can separate them from his love, nor increase his love.  He loves perfectly, but to feel that incomparable joy he offers, we need to turn to him in His way.  C.S. Lewis says, he loves us too much to let us stay as we are. He wants us to be refined, to become like him.  While the old me was afraid to let anyone see my weaknesses (haha...I thought they weren't obvious..ridiculous, I know!)  I have learned to LOVE finding my weaknesses so the Savior can help me turn them into strengths.   😃

I want to matter in this world!