It seems the time goes faster and faster. And with that, the end grows nearer and nearer. For that day, I am sore afraid.
But in the meantime I will rejoice in the work!
What makes this work so wonderful is the people I am so privileged to spend time with. Both missionaries, local members, and friends on the street brighten my life with the richness and diversity of their mortal experience. I will share with you some experiences of my own that I've had with some of my new friends.
My friend Moses is a manager at a local Safeway and is bonkers busy. So, we meet up and talk with him early in the morning to ensure we get quality time. Last time we went to see him he was just waking up for the day and said he hadn't taken his dog on a walk yet. He asked if we would go with him and we accepted the invitation warmly. It was a quaint little morning walk with a good man. Such memories are treasures to me.
We found my friend Berman late at night sitting in his car, which he is currently living out of. He is in a very challenging place in his life. His family has essentially severed all ties with him, because of some false accusations made by his now former spouse. Rarely have I beheld a man so broken as he. However I have rarely felt more privileged to be a missionary of the Lord, than I did when I sat with that man. To that man, in that hour, the wealth of the whole world would not have been worth the listening ear which we lent him. By the power of the Holy Ghost, the Lord shined His compassion through us. And oh how it eased the burden of his weary heart! I know now more than ever: To be like Jesus Christ is to listen.
I wish I could share about all my beloved friends with you but those two will suffice for now. A final experience I will share is about some instruction I received from the Lord. After prayerfully seeking revelation on what I was to study on this particular day, my mind was directed to a passage of scripture. As I began to read, to my bewilderment, I could not quite seem to grasp what I was reading. As I continued to read my frustrations only grew worse. Midway through the chapter, after reading a parable meant to explain what had been taught so far, I felt more lost than ever. Then sprung to my mind the recently spoken words of Elder Bednar,
"The intended meaning or message of a parable typically is not expressed explicitly. Rather, the story only conveys divine truth to a receiver in proportion to his or her faith in God, personal spiritual preparation, and willingness to learn."
It became clear to me then that the Lord was trying to show me the great amount of spiritual preparation I still had before me. Feelings of great weakness washed over me, but I was not sorrowful. I saw clearly now that I had been relying far too much on my own flawed abilities rather than relying upon the perfect power that God wanted to give me.
"Men and women who turn their lives over to God will discover that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can. He will deepen their joys, expand their vision, quicken their minds, … lift their spirits, multiply their blessings, increase their opportunities, comfort their souls, raise up friends, and pour out peace."
I testify that God's plan is designed to maximize our happiness. His plan is not complicated, but it does require great humility. I know that as we humble ourselves before the Savior and put our hands in His, He will tenderly lead us unto Life Eternal. May we all trust in the safety of His strong, gentle, and loving embrace.
Songs
Mac Miller has been on my MIND so do me a solid would you?
Come Back to Earth–Mac Miller
What's the Use–Mac Miller
Dang!–Mac Miller
I love you. Christ loves you.
Stay fresh.
Elder Winegar
