Recently, two sisters in my ward, grown women like myself, were awarded their Young Womanhood Recognition medallions in Sacrament Meeting. This medallion is (normally) given to young women who pursue a program of setting and achieving goals, known as Personal Progress. For those of use who are LDS, it's generally considered a coming of age accomplishment, sort of like getting your Eagle Scout Award.
Now, in the spirit of true confessions, I never got my Young Womanhood award. I had an awful lot going on during my Junior High and High School years, and just never got around to it. When I first went to Ricks College, and then BYU, I did feel a little out of place for not having it, but after awhile, it didn't really matter anymore, or so I thought. But as I saw these ladies get their medallions, it sort of started to matter again.
Well this week I found out there is good news. Any woman can indeed get it, as long as they pursue the program as outlined for the Young Women. So in the spirit of making sure I'm putting the Lord first in my life, I've since started working on it.
Now, you may be wondering, why on earth, when I've got an already crazy schedule with work and school and everything in between, would I start yet another goal and achievement program? But as I was pondering the other night how to pay for school for next semester, and how to accomplish all of the things I'm currently pursuing, I had the distinct impression to make sure I was seeking first the kingdom of God. What came to mind then was the story of Elijah and the widow, in 1 Kings 17. Here she was, poor and starving, preparing to make her last meal for herself and her son, and the prophet counsels her to make him something to eat first. In the spirit of acting in faith, she does so, and the scriptures report that "she, and he, and her household, did eat many days. And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, ". So - like the poor widow, I am hopeful that a similar blessing will occur for me in my situation as well.
I intend to make personal progress a regular Sabbath activity for the next few months. And I can report that based on my review of the Young Women values and requirements for the program, I am already well on my way to fulfilling the first value.
Now, in the spirit of true confessions, I never got my Young Womanhood award. I had an awful lot going on during my Junior High and High School years, and just never got around to it. When I first went to Ricks College, and then BYU, I did feel a little out of place for not having it, but after awhile, it didn't really matter anymore, or so I thought. But as I saw these ladies get their medallions, it sort of started to matter again.
Well this week I found out there is good news. Any woman can indeed get it, as long as they pursue the program as outlined for the Young Women. So in the spirit of making sure I'm putting the Lord first in my life, I've since started working on it.
Now, you may be wondering, why on earth, when I've got an already crazy schedule with work and school and everything in between, would I start yet another goal and achievement program? But as I was pondering the other night how to pay for school for next semester, and how to accomplish all of the things I'm currently pursuing, I had the distinct impression to make sure I was seeking first the kingdom of God. What came to mind then was the story of Elijah and the widow, in 1 Kings 17. Here she was, poor and starving, preparing to make her last meal for herself and her son, and the prophet counsels her to make him something to eat first. In the spirit of acting in faith, she does so, and the scriptures report that "she, and he, and her household, did eat many days. And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, ". So - like the poor widow, I am hopeful that a similar blessing will occur for me in my situation as well.
I intend to make personal progress a regular Sabbath activity for the next few months. And I can report that based on my review of the Young Women values and requirements for the program, I am already well on my way to fulfilling the first value.
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