The Holy Ghost

A scripture that stood out to me this week was 3 Nephi 19:9.  It reads:
"And they did pray for that which they most desired; and they desired that the Holy Ghost should be given unto them."
I think about the things that I pray for and the things that I most desire.  Most of the time, those desires involve petty things like test scores or struggling relationships.  This scripture really put things into perspective.  The thing that I should desire most is the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost.  I should live my life in a way that will allow the Holy Ghost to be by my side at all times.  I should plead with Heavenly Father to have the Holy Ghost in my life because I should be so sad when I think about my life without Him.  This scripture really made me think that I take the Holy Ghost for granted.
After I read this, I started thinking about the nature of the Holy Ghost.  When it is time for Christ to leave His mortal ministry, it hurt Him so much to think that He would have to leave those He loved so much.  He sent the Holy Ghost to be on Earth and to be a mediator, of sorts, between Christ and His followers.  I love that imagery.  To think that Jesus left me this precious gift fills me with His love and gives my life new direction.  It also encourages me to be sensitive to the Holy Ghost's promptings; I would hate SO much to not be receptive to messages from God and Jesus Christ.
I am leaving on a mission in 37 days (!) and I know that the Holy Ghost will be an integral part of my life as a missionary.  My Stake President told me in my missionary interview that missionaries are the only group of people who are entitled to have the Holy Ghost with them if they are keeping the rules.  He explained to me that not even the Apostles are promised with that blessing.  How humbling that thought is!  I am going to be a missionary, and because of that, the Holy Ghost will be my constant companion.  It is my prayer that I will learn how to best appreciate the gift of the Holy Ghost.  After reading this scripture, and seeing how vital the Holy Ghost is, I hope I never take Him for granted again.