innocence.

what does that mean? was it a simpler time in the past? was it solely our childhood? was it before we graduated high school or before we got a degree? when do we lose our innocence? does it ever fully leave us, or is it a natural character trait that we all possess?

as I anticipate going home after 6 months of being in Utah…I consider this word.
as I study, pray, and ponder at the temple, I consider this word.
as I stare out the windows at the bustling leaves and majestic mountains, I consider this word.

I think that as we learn and grow throughout our lives we become less innocent.
with all of the nasty in the world, our pure and meek nature is weakened. We believe that as we gain wisdom, knowledge, wealth, or whatever it may be, we need help less and we can rely on ourselves more. I think that’s a problem with our society today. it should be the other way around. We NEED each other. That’s WHY we were put into families, WHY we have professional and little league teams, WHY we have schools and churches. Obviously all of those organizations teach us and help us progress and even enjoy life, but we need connections. Connections with family, friends, teachers and coaches. We especially need a connection to our Heavenly Father and our brother & Savior Jesus Christ. Even with our wealth and knowledge, we are always innocent and inferior to the Lord. We experience success, pain, love, and trials in life so we humble ourselves, turn to Christ and therefore become more innocent and more like Him. We may “know enough” to be able to endure life, but we don’t really know anything in comparison to the great Creator. I have realized that as I have sat staring out the window during work. I feel innocent when considering the vast scope of the world. My friend is in an astronomy class this semester and she FREAKS out when she explains our universe and the galaxies. Its crazy to think how many other galaxies there were, are, and will be in the universe. [?? I don’t even know if those are the correct terms] I feel innocent, also, as consider what I have been blessed with. I LOVE thanksgiving!! Yeeess.. the food it delish and having tons of fam is Fabulous…but I love to take time to recognize the hand of the Lord in my life and show gratitude to Him. I hope that as we begin the end (of the year), we will consider the wisdom and the love of our Savior. I know that when we are obedient, we will be blessed.. thus repeating the “innocence cycle.” I know that going through college will be a challenge but I can do it, with the help of the Lord as I act innocently and confidently.

{LL: Bon A Petit!}