I have learned so much from writing on this blog, it’s ridiculous.  Who knew that there was so much history to learn about Mormon women?  Okay, yes, I know there are people who are far more studied than I am, and there is much more information out there to uncover, analyze, and learn from, and I have a long road if I ever want to know as much as some of our church scholars.  But, I personally had no idea this information existed, let alone, was available to discover.  I’m very grateful to KNOW.

But what I am most grateful to have learned is how much priesthood I have access to, and must understand, in order to realize my potential as a Woman of God, a sister in Zion, and member of the Relief Society.

This is a difficult subject because the priesthood involves the eternities, and we tend to think only of time on this earth.  For men, it’s easy, once they turn twelve they’re on their way.  It doesn’t mean they understand and stay worthy of this glorious power, but they wield it nevertheless.

For women, we have to wait until we’re sealed in the temple, and for when God grants us these privileges.  That can be hard for us to accept.  I, for one, accept the greatness of this authority and am happy to take the necessary time to understand it a little better before I start demanding “my rights”.  And because of the sacredness of it, I would never ever demand anything.

I imagine because the church was just renewed on the earth, everyone was feeling its newness, and members were rubbing shoulders with Joseph Smith, who knew so much, they were privileged to maybe experiment for a time.   Sisters were taught about their part in the priesthood and they used it through gifts of the Spirit.  They were allowed to lay hands on one another’s heads and give blessings.  They were allowed to heal the sick, speak and interpret in tongues, and prophesy.

Understanding how our world is today, these sacred things have to be put on hold.  We cannot be free to advertise these revelations so freely, thus the privilege-of course-has been taken away, only to be returned at a more safe and logical time.  I accept that.

What gives me power today is the knowledge of my future.  God indeed has a plan for me, for all women, and His power will wash over me, and bless me.

There is so much to learn as we read the scriptures through eyes of understanding.  When we attend the temple, our understanding of the scriptures needs to come with us and we will see with new eyes and gain a deeper understanding.  When we repeat these steps over and over again, the heavens open up more and more, allowing our hearts and minds to learn and accept and prepare for the time that surely will come when all that is His is ours (as women).

What I have learned this year is that even though I don’t know much, I know I have a place in the kingdom of God.  The priesthood will be available to me in ways I can’t comprehend yet.  God has favored women from the beginning of time.  With my limited understanding, I don’t have time to waste, but must act, and continue learning, and developing, into what I have chosen to become—His.