Learning by Experience

Today, I had the opportunity to talk to my dad about some things I have been going through and grappling with, as well as mistakes that I have made. One of the spiritual gains of talking to my dad was that I was able to better understand how we learn, embrace, and gain a testimony of different aspects of the gospel. While talking to my dad, I mentioned that I feel that as a person, I generally learn more from experience and I have a hard time believing things after just hearing them from someone. But, my dad disagreed. He provided this unique perspective on our ability to learn as humans:

As we journey through this life, some things don't need as much effort to understand. It is different for each of us. Some things, we can hear about, read about, pray about and gain a testimony without having to experience it ourselves. But, if that were the case in all things, there would be no purpose to this life. We are here to learn, and not simply by being taught and automatically grasping ideas, but also by experience. Sometimes, as humans, we don't quite understand a concept until we experience it. This is not to say that we should be encouraged to experience sin in order to understand the counsels against it, but it does say that if we do fall into sin, there is something to be gained, if we repent. My dad also reminded me that a true repentance comes from within. Through all that my dad shared with me, I was ultimately extremely comforted by the Spirit. I thought beforehand that my sins would hold me back no matter what, that somehow they would catch up to me. By talking to my dad I was able to accept my sins. They are in the past, and all I can do now is to learn from them. I have gained so much knowledge through experience (whether it be experience of sin or spiritual and/or real-life experience) and right now I feel very enlightened to the lessons that I have been taught throughout my life.

Most importantly, through talking with my dad, I realized that he will love me no matter what I do. This helped me to feel proud of myself for the progress I have made and for the testimony that I have and will continue to build.

I am so grateful at this time for a loving father and mother, who managed to strike a balance between lenient and strict, allowing me to make my own mistakes and build a testimony of my own. More than anything this experience with my dad has caused me to appreciate my parents more and helped me to realize how incredible they are at raising their children. I know that this experience is one that will stay in my heart and be a catalyst for change.

Thanks for reading!

~Caitlyn =)