We Are Children Of The Covenant

This month I have really sat back and thought about what I am really thankful for. Which turned out to be a successful task that I took on. There are many things in my life that I am thankful for and I always will be. I'm thankful for this mortal life that Heavenly Father has blessed us with. Without this life, we would never be able to experience love, heartbreak, joy, depression, happiness, hugs, laughter, pain and fear. With all of these emotions and experiences, we'd never learn and grow. I'm also thankful for opportunities, like how I was given to opportunity to meet the missionaries, get baptized and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. That is what I am most thankful for, especially since lately I have really been thinking about my baptism day. Which is what this post is mostly going to be about, baptism in general that is. I also sat back and realized that it's already coming up on the end of November and I couldn't help but sit there with my jaw on the ground for about five or ten minutes when that realization finally came through. Even I think it's sad that it took me that long to realize that this year is already practically over. But hey, apparently time really does fly when you're having fun; which is exactly what I've been doing this year. 

As happy as I am that I've made it nine months so far with only four months left to go until it's a year, I'm also sad that this year is almost over. Which is often normal for me since I am usually slightly depressed at the end of the year, but this year it's different. This year was the best year of my entire life, and I'll always cherish it, but what makes it all the better is this. When I look back on this time last year and I look at how my life was and remember how I was and how I acted... Back then I'd have never thought in a million years that I could say "This time next year, I'm going to be happy. I'm going to be a Latter-day Saint!" That was just not in the cards at the time, or at least I didn't think so. This time last year I was a nobody, a nobody with more potential then I could ever even imagine. Then to think of where I am today, and compare the two to each other, it's really rather amazing to see how quickly such drastic change can come along, and it gives me hope and reassures me that nothing is ever impossible. Just at times it seems improbable. But I am thankful for every bit of heartbreak, change, and relationships broken and made that were apart of this wonderful journey that lead to my baptism and confirmation. 

2 Nephi 31:12 says:

And also, the voice of the son came unto me, saying; He that is baptized in my name, to him will the Father give the Holy Ghost, like unto me; wherefore, follow me, and do the things which ye have seen me do. 

Right now, in this time of my life my baptismal covenant is the most important thing in my life. Of course more great covenants will come into my life, but since this one came first and is the main foundation of my relationship with Heavenly Father; I plan on honoring and keeping it. 

Elder Robert D. Hales addressed the topic of Baptismal Covenants in his October 2000 General Conference talk and said: 

"At baptism we make a covenant with our Heavenly Father that we are willing to come unto His kingdome and keep His commandment s from that time forward, even though we still live in the world."

What really got me thinking about baptism was just this last Saturday when I attended my friend Cynthia's friend Syrena's baptism. As I was sitting there, watching the baptism happen I remembered the day of my baptism. Elder Saager and his new companion were there and I was glad that he got to make it since he originally started teaching Syrena the lessons but had to stop do to some issues that came up then he eventually was transferred from Del Cerro. But while watching her get baptized, I remembered my day. I looked over at Elder Saager who was sitting two seats away from me and I couldn't help but be overwhelmed with nostalgia. It was intense and I felt the spirit while watching her go under the water. Two people were called to stand up front as her witnesses, and I couldn't help but look over at Elder Saager again. Since he and Elder Malietoa were my witnesses and the last thing I saw before I went under the water was Elder Saager. At the very last second he and I made eye contact. He looked so peaceful but before I could make record of anything else, I closed my eyes and came back up. A brand new person with a whole new life right ahead of me. 

Like I said, that was the best day of my life. My dad and brother was there, and that day was the day I first met several people that have become very important in my life. Such as Jun Madrid and McKenna Michels. 

Very often I wish that I could go back and relive that day. I also often wish that I could go back and relive the days that I received the missionary lessons. But I'm glad that I am able to live with the wonderful memories and to have the relationship with our Heavenly Father that I have. I can easily say it's what I'm most thankful for.