Encircling mountains, encircling love

I have a confession to make. I am terrified to move away from home in a few months, although it’s not for the reasons you may think. It’s true that I’m close with my family and will miss them very much. It’s true that I’m nervous to start completely fresh (and all on my own I might add) in a brand-new place. But most of all, I am already preemptively mourning moving away from the valley where I grew up. See, I’m a lucky girl, and have a few very special friends who’ve stayed by my side for almost two decades. They are the mountains that surround my valley home. They have stood, unchanged, throughout my entire childhood–through the good days and the bad ones, through the tears and laughter and all the memories in between. They shield, strengthen, and protect me, and I feel safe when they encircle about me with their massive, stony arms and wrap me in an Alaskan hug. It’s easy to see why I am so sad that I must leave these mountains of mine when I move on to college.

Did you know that the circle is a universal symbol? From protection to perfection to eternity, the circle’s meanings remain the same across countries, cultures, and languages. God often refers to circles when it comes to His plans or word, but my favorite reference to circles in the scriptures comes when God promises “I will encircle thee in the arms of my love” (Doctrine &Covenants 6:20). This seemingly simple vow offers divine protection, a safe space where we can strive for perfection, and eternal love to each of His children. Simply put, it is a promise as universal and unending as a circle is.

One of the clearest, most significant spiritual moments I’ve experienced occurred the week that I turned 15. I had the opportunity to receive a blessing, and I this was a great opportunity to fast and pray about questions I might have. Being the gangly, insecure, unsure teenage girl that I was, I decided to pray to know if God really loved ME. I wanted to know for myself that the Greatest Being in the universe knew ME and loved me regardless.

That entire week, I fasted and prayed like I never had before. The blessing day came, and the very first thing I heard was an assurance that my Father in Heaven loves me dearly. He watches over me. He is in the details of my life and will not forsake me. As soon as those words were spoken, I felt the biggest wave of love and peace wash over me. It truly felt like I had been encircled about by God’s love.

Jeffrey R. Holland once said, “Your Heavenly Parents are reaching across stream and mountains and deserts, anxious to hold you close.” I love that quote with my whole heart. It’s easy to imagine being wrapped up in a huge hug by arms who are reaching and yearning to encircle about and hold me close. Like my mountain friends, my Heavenly Parents shield, strengthen, and protect me each day. They have remained by my side through the good days and the bad ones, through the tears and laughter and all the memories in between. They have stood “the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8), and even though I will soon be leaving the encircling arms of my mountain home, I know that I will never be removed from the reach of God’s eternal love.

Avery Palenske is an 18-year-old redhead who has already gotten two sunburns this year (rest assured, she is just as bewildered as you are). Although she’s always loved her high school experience, Avery’s officially come down with a case of senior-itis and is itching to graduate, but she looks forward to being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints forever.