FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT-Do the Thing You Think You Cannot Do

This week was a real landmark in my life's journey. I did the thing I didn't know I could do. . . I passed my Property and Casualty license exam. (I'm now a licensed insurance producer!) In case you didn't know, this test is HARD! I've been studying day and night, and boy, did I feel prepared as I headed to take the test on Monday. I felt so good as I sailed through my last simulated exam the morning of and as I crammed on the way to Salt Lake. I felt confident as I checked in, had my picture taken, and was led to my testing station. But as I started the test, and kept seeing question after question of material I hadn't studied at all, I panicked. At one point, I even started thinking, "Could they have given me the wrong test?"

At that point I said a quick prayer, and started marking the questions I didn't understand for later. And I took the test, one question at a time. It was grueling. As I got closer to the end, I remembered all my marked questions and I again became discouraged and frightened. As I started reviewing these, I again closed my eyes and said to myself simply: "Father in Heaven. Please teach me."

I was prompted to change several answers. My mind was cleared enough to recall principles I had learned during my many, many study sessions, and I was able to apply them to the situations in the story problems. And I finished the test. I clicked the "done" button, knowing I had done my very best. And guess what? I passed by 1%, a matter of just three questions.

As I thought about this unexpected, spiritual experience, I realized how much it relates to my experience here on Earth. I wonder how prepared I felt to come in the pre-existence. Did I truly know how hard life would be? Did I know what trials I would face? Have I ever even wondered: "Did I get the right test?" Perhaps. But I also know that when I need help the most, I always have someone there to guide me. . . to "teach me."

I am so thankful that I took the risk and decided to take the "test" of life. I look at all the blessings: my family, friends, and my personal growth, that I have been granted here on Earth. There is no other way I could've received so much. I pray that next time, I find myself panicked, feeling unprepared for whatever tests come my way, I will remember all the principles of the gospel, and learn to apply them to life's little "story problems." And when I need help, I will humbly pray again and again, "Heavenly Father, teach me."