Family Chat: Part 1

The following is a message shared in family discussion with some slight alterations:

Sacrament meeting yesterday was BOMB, and Ima share what I learned... It gets a little passionate. I feel this so deeply, and it'll show.

We had and Brother return home from his mission. He shared his experience, and the two transformations which occurred for converts through the two years of hard work and struggle. The best and hardest two years of his life, he called them.

We then had a high councilman stand up and share his testimony. He shared that

THE PEACE WHICH WE SEEK IN THIS LIFE IS FOUND IN JESUS CHRIST.

The high councilman recalled how he yearned to feel that peace which he felt as he served worthily and faithfully on his mission. He encouraged every one to serve a mission. If we didn't serve when we were younger, prepare to serve when we are older. Set a specific date. A goal for retirement and submitting papers. If we're still a youth, prepare to serve as a young adult. Set a date we desire to submit papers. He encouraged that when we have a date and a goal in mind we begin to feel differently, and we know it will happen someday if not today. I loved this perspective! But it felt highly incomplete for me.

I wish he had also said, "It can change how you live your life. It can change your posture toward the Lord. It can change how you seek the Lord in your life today. Right now. You will find opportunities to be of service to those around you, and your life will become a mission in and of itself. Not because you are preaching the gospel, but because you are wholeheartedly living it with faith."

I believe a mission can change the lives of those served, but it can also TRANSFORM the life of the server! Two years of learning to care for our own souls, those "missionary habits," before going out and presenting to the world the thing which is most precious to us, aught to be spectacular preparation for how to do life! Is it really so impossible to maintain mission habits when we return home (or develop and keep them if we didn't serve a formal mission, of which I am part of the party)? I think Satan would have us think so.  They're certainly not "easy" habits! But they are simple. So incredibly simple. I can't believe that when we return home that giving up the mission habits ought to be part of returning "back to normal." If that's normal I don't want "normal". Maybe quit preaching to people (because we believe that a man must be called of God by prophecy... ext. Article of faith 5) but perhaps keep your actions where your mouth has been for two years. A mission is an opportunity for serving in God's kingdom a special and specific way which is offered in a special window of life. The early adult window. I believe service changes the server as well as those served, and God is pleased when we use it as a launching pad for our own lives as well! That sounds like and abundant God to me. The father I love and serve.

How is your life going?

How are your habits?

What are 1% steps of sustainable change you can make?

I testify GOD IS THERE pouring down direction and blessings and rain upon us ALWAYS. I would encourage all of us to take and inventory on where we spend our most precious time, find ways to put down the umbrella, and pick up the habits (wake early, exercise, shower, eat, personal study, companionship study), and just watch what you can do with your one wild and precious life with him at your side!

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

Matthew 6:33

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

Proverbs 3:5-6

AND: If your doing those things and still searching or still feel you are wandering without direction, can you think of any better place to be wandering than to wander in the Lord?! I certainly can't. I think it is necessary! It's like always being prepared. Ready at the starting gates but without the performance anticipation of a race. Because when we are prepared to see and act, the fear of missing out can go away. When the time is right we'll know what to do.  And it's never too late to start.