Getting Acquainted

Here's a great quote I found today in the YWs manual from Elder M. Russell Ballard:

“How do the names of bishops and stake presidents and General Authorities surface in the minds of those who have the responsibility of extending the call? … I shall tell you how I think it is. I believe in revelation—and so do you—and I believe that the Lord is getting acquainted with you right now. You missionaries that are preparing to go on your mission, do not let one day go by on your mission when you do not demonstrate to the Lord that you are reliable, that you are trustworthy, that you are dedicated, that you are committed, that you are on his side, for he is getting acquainted with the young men and the young women of this Church today. … Every day of your life he gets acquainted. Then, after he has watched you and after you have demonstrated your faithfulness by your service and by your ability to keep your priorities straight in your life, along comes a need for a high councilor, a Primary president, a Relief Society president, a bishop, or a stake president; and the Lord makes it known to the responsible priesthood leader that you are ready because you have lived up to the commitments and promises that you made before you were ever born” (“Speaking Today,” Ensign, Mar. 1979, p. 71).

I think of the time Peter and I were talking to the Seawright's about someday serving in China a couple of Sundays ago.  Somehow, the conversation turned to the topic of them serving as mission presidents over in China someday.  Brother Seawright was like no . . . we have no connections up high (referring to how Peter does).  After reading this quote, I think oh yes you do!  Who can be higher than our Heavenly Father?  I want to share this quote with the missionaries sometime as I'm teaching one of the fundamentals.