Ready to Keep Growing

Jewel sat on the bench in sacrament meeting with her parents and brother. She drew pictures of scripture stories. She tried listening to the speaker, but her stomach felt like it was full of nervous butterflies!

Today was Jewel’s first day going to Young Women class instead of Primary. She didn’t want to leave her friends in Primary behind. She loved singing and reading scriptures with them.

But Jewel was turning 12 this year. It was time to move into the Young Women program.

Jewel closed her eyes and said a silent prayer. Heavenly Father, please help me to have a good Young Women class.

After the closing prayer in sacrament meeting, Jewel took a deep breath and walked to the classroom. The older girls were already there. There were four of them. They were talking and giggling.

“Hi,” Jewel said.

They smiled. “Hi.”

The teacher came in and welcomed Jewel. Then she started the lesson.

For most of the class, Jewel felt alone. She was nervous to talk because she didn’t know the other girls yet. She would have to be in Young Women for a long time. It felt like forever! Would she always feel lonely here?

Then a small voice came to her mind. You won’t be in Young Women forever. You were just old enough to move on and learn more about being a disciple of Jesus Christ.

Jewel felt comforted by the words. She recognized them as the Holy Ghost helping her. Even though she didn’t have many friends in Young Women yet, she wasn’t alone. She had the Holy Ghost.

After class was over, Jewel found her family.

“How was the Young Women class?” Mom asked.

Jewel gave her a hug. “It was OK. I miss Primary, and I don’t know the girls yet. But I felt the Holy Ghost comfort me.”

Mom smiled. “That’s good to hear! And maybe next time will be even better.”

Jewel nodded. She hoped Mom was right.

The next time she had Young Women class, Jewel said hi to the girls again.

“Hi, Jewel,” one of them said. “You should sit by me!”

Jewel smiled and sat by the girl. Her name was Ellie. They talked a lot before the lesson started. Ellie was kind and made her feel welcome.

During the lesson, the teacher asked if anyone had an experience with the Holy Ghost.

Jewel raised her hand. “I felt the Holy Ghost help me when I was nervous to join Young Women,” she said. “The Holy Ghost helps me when I grow and face challenges.”

Jewel was thinking about how the Holy Ghost comforted her when she felt alone. It felt good to share her experience with the girls in Young Women.

After she shared, a few other girls shared too. Jewel liked hearing what they had to say.

Jewel still missed Primary sometimes. But because of the Holy Ghost, she was ready to keep on growing.

Illustration by Liz Brizzi