Youth Conference 2017

As parents we get to write a letter to our children who attend youth conference. Boaz is one year away from attending, and this might be Josh's last year. The whole August birthday messes things up in the summer for him.

This year was a mission theme. So I ended up writing a letter as if he were on his mission.

Dear Josh,

I have been thinking about this moment ever since you were born. But that seemed like such a long time away. Now, here it is. I have to give you up for you to serve the Lord. As I write that, I think about the scripture where Mary and Joseph were looking for young Jesus. He was anxious to be about His Father’s business. They were still holding on to Him, knowing He was still a child.

I don’t know if moms are ever ready for their children to become adults and leave the nest. I have been watching this moment coming. I know I am excited for you. I know you will do marvelous things. I also know I will miss you.

You have a strong testimony, and that testimony colors your world. It orders how you think and gives you strength as you run. I love to hear your thoughts on the gospel and life. You have your father’s wisdom already. Because of what you know and what you feel, you have patience with life and people.

Your sense of fun and humor carries you through your days. Your smile takes my breath away. Your humor is clean, smart and sly.

These two foundational elements of your personality will carry you through the rough moments and enlarge the happy ones. They attract people who are seeking light and truth. You allow the Light of Christ to shine through you. Your devotion to God and love of life attract those seeking something. Many times, they don’t even know what they are seeking or missing.

I know you have the gifts necessary to accomplish your mission and your purpose. I know you will have success. I know you will do great things in His service.

I also know you have my stubbornness. Harness that stubbornness and use it when things become hard. Be firm and unmovable in the tempests and trials. Hold your ground and refuse to yield to the uncertainty and sorrow.

I give you the advice President Hinckley’s father gave him when he was lonely in England on his mission. “Forget yourself and get to work.” Your mission is your tithing to the Lord on the years of your childhood. Offer yourself up to His purpose and He will bless you with joy and happiness and significance. Missions are wonderful and hard. Be joyful and stubborn.

I love you and I am so proud of you. 

Stand firm in the Light

Defeat the Darkness