I remember the summer before beginning my master’s program I went to a production of Into the Woods. At the time I recognized it’s potential representative significance for the next two years of my life. I was getting ready to enter the woods, the place of transformation you are describing. Little did I know how difficult it would be there.

But, the woods also contain the precious discovery that we are stronger than we think we are. We can withstand death, separation, deprivation, and shocks to the mind and spirit. Even though in the woods old understandings prove to be insufficient–”witches can be right, giant’s can be good” and others–”everything you learn there will help when you return there.” Thank you again for sharing.

I have to admit that feeling God’s love the past few years has been extremely difficult. I’m hoping I haven’t missed out on it somehow.

and hope that I can find myself on what feels like the outside, like you seem to have made it to

I’ve had a few experiences where that exercise of faith turned out to be the single most important aspect of the blessing. There’s not a time limit on “blessing redemption”–the epiphanies you’ve had recently sound, to me, like the beginnings of fulfillment of the blessing. Some blessings are completed quickly–others take years or decades to complete.

I have a blessing that says I’ll be led to the temple by my husband; my husband is a non-member, and has no interest in conversion. I have to exercise faith that the fulfillment of the blessing is possible, though I don’t see a path to it right this minute.