Until We Meet Again

I decided I'll post one of my favorite hymns today. You see, I'm going on a mission tomorrow, and tonight I'm being set apart as a missionary, so I'll be trying to distance myself from electronics unless absolutely necessary. (Meaning, my mission might have received iPads, so I could be using one.) The hymn I want to share seems more appropriate than anything I can come up with. 

I know I'm going to get asked this question a lot in the future: "You're a girl. Girls aren't required to go on missions. Why are you here, among people you don't know, people who don't know or care about you?"

My answer to that question is that God knows these people, and that's really all that matters. I know who I am. I am a daughter of God. If I'm a daughter of God, that means everyone is a child of God, just like I am. Thinking about everyone as a child of God makes it easier to love strangers and enemies. (I don't have any enemies, probably people who don't like me, but that's their loss.)

I may not be required to do this, but I know that it's the right thing for me to do. I know it's going to be hard - no one ever said it would be easy - but the blessings that come to me and my family....we've been blessed since the day I decided I was going to go on a mission. This is a hard thing for my whole family - the oldest child leaving for 18 months - and I know a few of my siblings will have a hard time of it, but 18 months isn't forever. There's a saying that goes like this: "A missionary is someone who leaves their family for a short time so that others can be with theirs for eternity."

(P.S. the rhythm of this song doesn't make sense unless you know the tune of the song.)

God Be With You 'Till We Meet Again

Text: Jeremiah E. Rankin, 1828-1904
Music: William G. Tomer, 1833-1896

God be with you till we meet again;
By his counsels guide, uphold you;
With his sheep securely fold you.
God be with you till we meet again.

(Chorus)

Till we meet, till we meet,
Till we meet at Jesus' feet,
Till we meet, till we meet,
God be with you till we meet again.

God be with you till we meet again;

When life's perils thick confound you,
Put his arms unfailing round you.
God be with you till we meet again.

God be with you till we meet again;

Keep love's banner floating o'er you;
Smite death's threat'ning wave before you.
God be with you till we meet again.

See you in 18 months!

Photo Credit: McKayla Blume