the best birthday present

It was a Friday, my first year at girl's camp, the night of the special evening program, and my 12th birthday. We were crowded into a room & watching a video of two friends who were awaiting their mission calls to earth. Halfway through the video, one by one we were instructed to get up & "Hold to the Rod." The "rod" was a rope, that cut & weaved through camp. It was dark. And the YCL's were holding out things like money & candy bars. Some where even grabbing girls and pulling them off & away. I hung on tight, watched the girl directly in front of me, and hoped that no-one would try to pull me off. After making my way downhill, through trees & bushes, we were welcomed into a meadow where all the leaders & bishops were dressed in all white. It was meant to be heaven. We sat & the continued the video. The Spirit was very strong. I think it was the first time in my life that I truly recognized it. Then, through her tears, the girl next to me said, "I can't believe this is all going to be over tomorrow." As soon as the words were out of her mouth, the Spirit said to me very distinctly, "No. It doesn't have to be over tomorrow. This feeling is yours whenever you want it. If you live worthy." And then I knew. I knew that all the things that I'd been taught were true. I had a testimony of my own.