Probably the most difficult 6 weeks of my mission, starting over in an area that I knew nothing about when ALL I thought I wanted was to stay in Manurewa with Sister Mua'ava. But yet again, Heavenly Father knew better. We knocked doors in the pouring rain and hail. We struggled with talking to people on the streets because she was so new and she was learning English. We struggled with being on the same page. When I desired so badly to finish off with a HUGE BANG... I knew I couldn't leave my companion behind. I knew there was wisdom within this lesson. And I knew I had to learn it.
In the end we loved each other, and I realized that my mission wasn't a ticker ticking down to my last seconds of life, but that it was an experience God blessed me to have.
My family came to pick me up at the end of my mission, and it was a blessed day.
Because God IS our loving Heavenly Father, He has made a plan that will guide us back to Him. He has blessed us with Families, Prophets,Scriptures, and so much more. Throughout time God has always used His prophets to communicate to His people. The greatest prophet that ever lived was our Savior Jesus Christ. This plan for us to return to God, works exactly because of that. Because of Him. Because He saves Us. I know this because I have seen lives change after years of betrayal and darkness. I have seen the darkest paths that have been lit up as people have turned their lives to God, taken up their crosses and follow Him. I know this because the truth of this message burns in my bosom, and I cannot deny it. H e has changed so many lives, and He has changed mine.
I was often asked, "Why did you decide to serve a mission for your church?" I would answer, "Because I love my Heavenly Father, and I just want to pay Him back for all the goodness He's given me." I was very young minded. Every struggle, every laugh, cry, mishap, challenge, miracle- has helped me realize that after a short 18 month mission, I am even deeper indebted to Him who is the beneficiary of life itself. I pray my life may be a reflection of His goodness and teachings all the days of my life. I am grateful, ever grateful that God uses imperfect people like myself for this perfect work.
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