3 November 2012

I am thankful for...

 Missionary Effort/Work

I am so thankful to those that have chosen to dedicate their time to furthering the Lord's work (nothing against those of us that have not served missions). Some have postponed receiving or finishing their education so that they may spread the Gospel; they are leaving behind worldly things, families, and friends. Many that will come home will have changed so much; they will be better employees, students, sons/daughters, friends, future spouses, and parents. They will find that many of their loved ones will have grown up, however not much will have changed. 

There are currently 58,000 missionaries out there serving the Lord; many more will be joining their ranks due to the age change (boys may now leave at 18 and girls can leave at 19). I have many friends and family members that are out there serving missions right now, and I would like to thank Elder Zach Dustin, Elder Jeremy Brock, Elder Ryan Honey, Elder Jaromy Holland, Elder Jordan Kofurd, Elder John Gillis. I also want to thank those that have already served missions; your service to the Lord will not and has not gone unnoticed. For those of you that are working on your papers or are waiting for them, thank you for being worthy to serve and being willing to "put your life on hold" so to speak, you will find it worth it. Your families will be so blessed while you are serving. 

I always used to get upset when someone would say that missions are hard, and for some it will be their undoing. However, as I began to think about it they are right. Of course I have never served a mission, but I always love hearing mission stories (they fascinate me). If you decide to serve a mission, you will have the mantle of the Lord placed upon you. He will help you do things you would think are impossible, and only through Him are they made possible. You will meet people from all walks of life, be they investigators, members of the ward you are serving, or your companion. You will get to see people come to the knowledge of the Gospel and all it has to offer. It will be incredible. 

The one thing we must all remember though is that missionary work does not end when your mission does; rather it is only the beginning. "Every member a missionary!" We can all further the Lords work by sharing the Gospel with friends, acquaintances, and even complete strangers. We don't need to serve a mission in order to further the work. Strive to lead a Christlike life; live your life so that others want to know why you are different, so that they will want to have that for themselves. You will be surprised just how many people really are watching you!