Dear Elders and Sisters,
It has been great to see each of you in zone conferences
over the past two weeks. I enjoyed the insightful comments and questions that
came up as we discussed various topics. I am always renewed and inspired as I
interact with you. It amazes me to think that the Lord’s expectations for you
are so high, and you do so wonderfully well as you respond to challenges and
work through difficulties. I cannot think of a better way to learn, grow and
deepen your own conversion than serving a mission.
As I read last week’s emails, I noted that several
missionaries commented on how hard they were working, how tired they were, how
good they felt and how happy they were. I can’t help thinking there is a
connection between all of those things – a pattern for our work. Diligent
missionaries are often very tired, sometimes so tired they wonder if they can
do it all over again the next day. They don’t hold anything back; they give all
that they have – every day. They find, sometimes unexpectedly, that they always
seem to have strength for the next day. Their fatigue is a rewarding kind of
fatigue; it comes with a sense of satisfaction. These missionaries are always
happy – they don’t have the time or the inclination to complain. They are lost
in the service of others. They are intent on wasting and wearing out their
lives (see D&C 123:13) in proclaiming the gospel to all who will listen. They
seem to understand what the Lord said in a revelation to the Prophet Joseph
Smith, “All victory and glory is brought to pass unto you through your
diligence, faithfulness, and prayers of faith” (D&C 103:36).
In Preach My Gospel we read, “Diligence is an expression of
your love for the Lord and His work. When you are diligent, you find joy and
satisfaction in your work” (p. 121). I also love the statement that, “The attitude you have toward
your mission experience is a reflection of your love toward your Heavenly
Father and His Son and your respect for the priesthood” (PMG, p. 151). Our
attitude and work ethic is a pattern that we may establish on our mission that
will continue with us throughout our lives. I invite you to establish attitudes
and habits that will enable you to feel happy, productive and successful in the
eyes of the Lord.
Here is one of my favorite excerpts from this week’s emails:
It is SO true how there is NO greater feeling than to humbly
kneel before the Lord each night, completely exhausted and account to him that
I have used every bit of energy to invite others to come unto His son Jesus
Christ! [My companion] and I LOVE working our very hardest every single second
of the day! I have LOVED serving with him!!! We can't believe it's already been
3 weeks!
A missionary who can account in such a way at the end of
every day can know their labors have been accepted of the Lord as they
experience joy and fulfillment in hastening His work. This joy and fulfillment
flows to us through the Spirit, that fills our hearts as we feel the Lord
saying to us, “Blessed art thou; for because ye have been diligent in laboring
with me in my vineyard, and have kept my commandments, and have brought unto me
again the natural fruit… ye shall have joy with me because of the fruit of my
vineyard” (Jacob 5:75). I promise you that as you labor diligently alongside
the Lord of the vineyard this last time, you will partake of this great joy and
affirmation of His love each day.
President Blickenstaff
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