Hello Everyone,

 

Before my mission I loved to sit and write. When I left I decided to leave that behind to better focus my other things and expand my talents. This last week I felt the prompting to pick up my pen again and write. This will be my post for the week. I hope you enjoy it.

 

~LINES~

 

"Every artist was at first an amateur."      --Ralph Waldo Emerson

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Silence was the chosen soundtrack. The room smelled clean with a hint of the perfume of fresh paper and pencil shavings. As he entered the room anticipation collected on my hands in the form of cold sweat.

 

I've waited an eternity for this.

 

My mind raced as I sought to understand how the master's hand moved. Fluid and precise but seeming reckless and wild, I wondered how I would learn.

 

"Class" he said, "Pick up a pencil and draw what is on your mind. Every Master once began by simply drawing a line." The wood became warm in my hand as I began to draw and design. Slowly my dreams, desires and ambitions, rigid and black, unfolded before my eyes. He began to walk the room, smiling, nodding and watching as he saw futures begin to take shape. But when the turn was mine he said "Stop and wait. I'll be back to discuss your shapes." Confused, concerned, wanting to understand I sat

 

Patiently...

             ....Waiting...

                            ....Praying...

 

Alone. All had gone except the Master and I. After staring at my desires and dreams for what seemed to be some time, he turned to me and said, "Well done my friend you can draw a line. Any artist can draw those things created in their mind but it takes a Master to inspire humankind. Here is a box of colors, use them as you please. I will stay beside you to show you what a Master sees."

 

I picked a color from the box. It felt unfamiliar in my hand. Afraid to make just one mistake I began to make a plan. The Master said "Fear not, for I am by your side. Allow your hand to freely move. All I ask is that you try."

 

From blues and reds and yellows my piece began to change shape. the lines once drawn in anxiousness were covered with a new fate. From fear to faith, blindness to sight, a new life unfolded right before my eyes. Mistakes were made, some colors did fade but all the master said was "try." Fluid and precise but seeming reckless and wild my hands began to work. At times I would hear the Master say, " you are beginning to see my world."

 

Then it stopped.

 

The Master's hand on my shoulder told me my piece was done. With one, black line left in the middle he said "I'm proud of you my son. You allowed your lines to fade away as I turned your thoughts towards another way. Now you know my secret, my dreams, desires and love. Your work, your masterpiece, is accepted from above."

 

Every artist can draw their thoughts and dreams, or simple, rigid lines. But it takes the colors of the master to make our pieces divine.

 

-----------End-----------

 

I have come to understand the Atonement in some unique and incredible ways over the last month or so. It has been a fight against Satan, the foe of all. I love my Savior and I know he is my friend. He has helped me through more trials than I can ever count or make up. I know that this life is a simple testing ground. A place where we can show our faith and strive to do our very best. I know we all make mistakes, I myself make plenty of them, but I know that we can be forgiven by putting our trust in the one who has redeemed us. I know the gospel is true. Jesus Christ is our Savior, and I know that one day we can stand with him with our families to live in eternal joy. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

 

Have a great week!

 

Sincerely,

Elder Klemme