Will I Shrink?

Since I started working again I have found out how different I am from most people.  The world has really changed all around me and I have been hidden at home. 

I have always struggled to connect to people.  I want to be like everyone else, to fit in comfortably.

I work with some great people.  I like them immensely - but I am not like them. 

Do they see and feel the way I do? 

I think that the biggest thing we have in common is that we are trying to live a happy life.  We love family and friends.

I think the biggest thing we don't have in common is, that my life is centered around God and His eternal plan.  Very few of my new friends are close to God, or recognize Jesus as the Christ.  The ones that are Christian, stick out in the crowd.  Not that their lives are carefree, but they are full of faith and that faith shows!  It is marvelous to see!

We all live in this wonderful world, searching for happiness.  Some of us believe it to be found by following laws and commandments, setting goals and serving others. 

I do not really understand what other's believe brings happiness, or what they want to accomplish in their lives.  It sometimes seems that everyone is just in survival mode.

I am greatful for the things we have in common and hope we can build on that.  I like diversity and can learn so much from the experiences of those around me. 

I hope I can also share with them and inspire them to know that they have a Heavenly Father who loves them.  I wish more people could understand the plan of happiness.

I am happy to realize that it is not as important to me to fit in as it use to be.  I may feel alone in the crowd, but I am happy! 

It may not always be easy to be different.  We are continuously challenged to 'Stand in Holy Places', 'Dare to Stand Alone', 'Never Leave Him', etc. etc... 

I have been reading lots of conference talks referring to Lehi's Vision of the Tree of Life.  I am afraid of being mocked.  What will I do when that happens?  I am afraid of being in the world and wanting to fit in!  Can I be different when contention shows it's face?  I am afraid of who I will become.

Two of my favorite talks that seem to spark my thoughts were:

1. "They're Not Really Happy", Glenn L. Pace
http://www.lds.org/ensign/1987/11/theyre-not-really-happy?lang=eng
2.  "What Is Truth", David Bednar
http://www.lds.org/broadcasts/watch/ces-devotionals/2013/01?lang=eng&vid=2201224691001

My question, my fear is "Will I shrink" when life gets hard?"

I guess my answer will only come as I live each day. 

I am so greatful for Lehi's Vision and for Nephi's interpretation to his brothers.

1 Nephi 15:23-24 -

	"And they said unto me: What meaneth the rod of iron which our father saw, that led to the tree?
	And I said unto them that it was the word of God; and whoso would hearken unto the word of God, and would hold fast unto it, they would never perish; neither could the temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary overpower them unto blindness, to lead them away to destruction."   I am holding fast, clinging, hanging on with all my might.