I wanted to take a break from doing my 30 day photo challenge posts and focus on the most important thing in my life- my Savior Jesus Christ. I am so grateful to be able to have this special time of year to think and ponder on the incredible sacrifices of the Lord, and all that He did for all of His children...and more personally, all that He did for me. I cannot even begin to imagine all that He suffered, endured, and sacrificed on my behalf alone. And not only for me, but for everyone, every soul, at every time, in every place. It is so humbling, so incredible to think that He loved us enough to experience all that He did, to make the Plan of Happiness possible. I am so incredibly grateful that He willingly, unselfishly, lovingly suffered, bled, and died for me...and that He made the Atonement possible. My testimony of the Atonement has deepened and strengthened so very much over the past few years of my life as I have experienced some difficult challenges. My Savior has been there to help, comfort, strengthen, listen, guide, succor, and heal me without measure. He has been patient, understanding, and loving. And no matter how many times I make mistakes and fall short of the mark, He is always waiting for me with open arms. He loves me unconditionally.
As I was getting ready this morning, I was thinking of the statues of Christ that are in the visitor's centers of our temples. I was thinking of how He is standing there with the piercing in his side, the wounds in his hands and feet, but He is standing there having won the victory over death and the world. And how His arms are out-reached and welcoming. I imagined myself being able to meet Him, and to kneel at His feet and thank Him for all He did, and still does, on my behalf. I tried to imagine what that would feel like, and I was filled with such a sense of joy and gratitude. I am so incredibly grateful for all my Savior has done for me. And I am grateful that because He suffered on behalf of us, mercy can satisfy the demands of justice and we can go back to His loving arms and thank Him, and live with Him in peace after we do all we can do while we're here on this earth. I am grateful that because we are blessed with His gospel and temples upon the earth, we can be with our families forever. I am grateful that He made everything possible. I am grateful that we have a reason to celebrate this Easter Season...because Christ conquered death, and He lives! I know this with all of my heart, might, mind and soul and I am grateful every day that He lives.
If you have a minute, watch this video, so touching. I love Elder Holland!
