4-12-13
Dear Family,
Hey! Ok so I wanted to type this up and send it to you, but I didn't have any time :( Cool story though!
So remember how Gerald N. Lund came and spoke about revelation? Well, as he was speaking, I got this feeling that I needed to write something. So the next day Sister Butler and I ditched gym and I sat down to write...and this was done half an hour later. Cool story right?
Will you please type it out for me? Thanks! Enjoy and I love you guys!
Love,
Sister Dana
Written April 10, 2013
TURNING
OUTWARD
The day I first came out here,
I sought escape from work, from school, from home
Thought I’d found myself a place
Where I wouldn’t be alone.
I’d grow in all my knowledge,
Use my studies to impress.
While ever being conscious
Of my appearance, of my dress.
Sure, there were people waiting
To hear a message I would share.
But were they really people or
Just numbers, did I care?
I’d come back home in glory,
A new language up my sleeve,
And have endless stories of spiritual strength –
Of course everyone would believe.
I told all my friends and family,
“I have chosen the better part!”
And so I stepped onto the plane
With flawed desires in my heart.
Oh the mercy of our God
To save a soul so weak!
His work is not done by the proud
But is reserved only for the meek.
Why was the first week so very hard?!
I need angels on my side!
Aren’t missionaries special?
Everyone said the Lord would provide!
Why can’t I speak this language?
I trip over all my words!
In the ears of an investigator,
I’m sure I sound absurd.
My bed at home is cozy,
And my closet space is large.
I need not have a companion –
I’m always the one in charge!
I pour these thoughts out in my prayers
In frustration I complain.
But a quiet voice pierces to my soul
And says “Let me take the rein.”
“The desires you have on my errand
Are for glory, nothing more.
Let me do with you what I will.
There are greater
things in store.”
With tears on my cheeks, I bow my head
Humbled, for now I see.
With new found desire in my heart,
I whisper, “Do what you will with me.”
I realize soon that my sacrifice
Is not a service, but a start,
To pay the eternal debt I owe
To One who suffered to heal my heart.
It was my face He saw in the garden
And on the cross that day.
Greater pain could no man know,
For none else could provide a way.
His mission on this earth, I know,
Was greater far than mine.
He gave the Ultimate Sacrifice
But said simply, “The glory be Thine.”
No one could fault Him for showing the prints of his
hands
To say, “Look what I’ve done!”
But rather, He gazes with love in His eyes
And says, “Be not afraid, you are won.”
Then His face changes, and He whispers with grief,
“But what of mine other sheep?”
The Savior of the World, Redeemer of All-
I watch my God silently weep.
“These children are Mine, their debt have I paid,
Still they wander, lost and alone.
Their outlook is bleak, because they know not
That I wait to welcome them home.”
My selfish heart breaks as I watch this Man,
Who suffered at so great a cost,
Despair over these He loved, all because
He could not bear to see one that was lost.
The new desire of my soul bursts forth –
I cry, “My Lord, send me, I’ll go!”
I’ll bring thy children home once more
And never deny what I know!”
He looked at me and smiled once more.
“My dear one, now you see.
Go forth, and think not of yourself.
I have work prepared for thee.”
I know now why I am here –
To turn outward rather than in.
Finally worthy of my call –
I’ll bring them back to Him.
By Sister
Shelby Dana April 10, 2013 in the Provo MTC
