The Glory We Long For: Preparing Our Hearts for the Savior

There are moments in the missionary journey—moments of deep quiet in the early morning, or perhaps a late evening study session with a new investigator—when the weight of the eternal becomes palpable. When the Spirit whispers, and you are suddenly overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of what awaits us.

Sister Karlie Mease captured that feeling perfectly with her choice of song, “I Can Only Imagine.” It’s more than just a beautiful hymn; it’s a profound theological snapshot of the destination. It’s the ultimate 'why' behind all the heartache, the sacrifice, and the tireless effort of the work.

When we sing those lyrics—“I can only imagine what my eyes will see when your face is before me…”—we aren't just singing about a future event; we are actively training our hearts to *feel* that reality now. This is the heart of missionary preparation, isn't it? It’s about keeping the Savior’s face, and the glory of His presence, at the forefront of everything we do.

Keeping the Focus: From the Field to the Living Room

As returned missionaries, we know that the field doesn't end when we trade our mission callings for our local assignments. The work is portable. The challenge, and the joy, is learning how to carry the feeling of that glorious reunion—that intense, focused anticipation—into our daily lives as disciples.

Think about it. When you are teaching a friend about the Plan of Salvation, or when you are helping a family use the Social Scripture Study layer in LivingBook to ponder a passage, or even when you are just having a quiet moment pondering the Book of Mormon, you are doing it through the lens of that glorious vision. You are acting as if you are already standing in that presence.

This anticipation is a powerful tool. It keeps us humble, it keeps us diligent, and it keeps us focused on the ultimate goal: helping others come unto Christ.

A Bite-Sized Mission Prep Skill: The 'Why' Anchor

If I could give one piece of advice today for any disciple, whether you are preparing for the MTC, currently serving, or have been home for years, it’s to develop an 'Anchor Question.' When you feel discouraged, or when a conversation gets tough, don't just default to a pre-written answer. Instead, anchor yourself to the feeling evoked by that song: *What will I do when I see Him?*

Let that question guide your testimony. Let it guide your scripture study. Let it guide your conversations. It shifts the focus from the *difficulty* of the current task to the *glory* of the ultimate reward. It’s the Spirit whispering, "Keep looking up."

Connecting with Fellow Disciples

This feeling, this shared longing, is what binds the Rogue Disciples community together. It’s why we need to keep talking, keep studying, and keep challenging one another. If you haven't been in a Book Club lately, I highly encourage you to look into setting one up, or joining one through HolyPlaces. Sharing that deep, contemplative feeling with others who understand it is vital.

If you’re feeling the pull toward deeper doctrinal study, I recommend revisiting the teachings on the Restoration found in the Iron Rod. There are some incredible insights on the nature of the Atonement that will help anchor that feeling of anticipation.

And hey, if you want to practice wrestling with the hard questions that come with this glorious vision—the questions about doubt, or the nature of eternal progression—don't forget to check in with Davee. He’s always ready to walk you through the investigator's tough questions as your AI Investigator co-pilot.

We are all on this journey together, striving to live lives worthy of that glorious day. Keep that vision bright, brothers and sisters!