Today my cup feels a little
like it's overflowing and a little like it is so empty.
Last night we went over to one
of our investigator's homes. In the house there are 6 men. When we got there 3
of them were drunk, including our investigator. There was booze in their
breath, eyes, speech, and walk... We went in, hoping to find one of them who
was not quite so intoxicated (they're all potential investigators) and we sat
down. One of the brothers in the house commented to our investigator,
"James (name changed), you are lucky to have people who love you. They
come here because they love you. You are lucky."
You know, there is a lot that I
could wish people to understand. I wish everyone understood the plan of
salvation, or why having a family was such a blessing. I wish everyone
understood that the book of mormon didn't take anything away from the bible. I
wish everyone understood that the Gospel of Jesus Christ was restored, but if I
had to pick and choose from one gift of understanding that I could possibly
hope to help someone understand, it is that I am only ever there because I love
them.
I do not ever want anyone to be confused about why I email,
or talk, or do anything. I am obedient because I love you. I am an example
because I love you. I am a friend because I love you. I am reliable because I
love you. I preach the gospel because I love you. I speak of Christ in my
emails instead of me because I love you.
1.
Love for Christ
2.
Love from Christ
- Love like Christ
Honestly, I doubt Nephi even understood the word condescension. But this is how he responded, 17 And I said unto him: I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things.
There is a gift that has been given to each of us. The gift that I have been experiencing every day of my mission---
16 ¶For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
I know this email maybe doesn't make a lot of sense... I know I don't always make a lot of sense... I know that I have my mistakes and faults and fears and wishes, and that my mistakes and wishes may be very different than yours, but if I could ask anyone to just understand one thing I would ask that they take the time to understand God's love. Love from Him. Love for Him. and Love like Him.
That is the true gift of missionary service, it is that we come to know God's love in God's way. I know that God lives. I know that He loves us. I know that he wants us to be happy. I know that I love Him. I know that I don't always show him my love the way I should. I know that He loves you, and if we will all turn to him, we will have his love in our hearts.
Q: So, Elder Hill, how do you feel about going home?
A: Honestly? Sometimes I'm excited, sometimes I'm just really sad, but mostly I just don't think about it very much. A scripture was once shared with me from the Doctrine and Covenants which in effect taught me to serve in every area like I'm never going to leave that area. To unpack my bags, settle in and work as though I'm going to be in that ward forever. It's the "middle of the mission" mentality. Heavenly Father has blessed me to not be very trunky, and to be able to focus on the work. I can't even begin to express how grateful I am for that.
Q: Don't lie, Elder Hill! We know when it's quiet and you're on your own, you are just singing for joy! Isn't there something your excited for?
A: :) Absolutely. There's a lot I'm excited for. I'm excited to see my family, to be with my brother, to hug my momma, to meet my Sisters' fiance and my new brother in law, to eat Cafe Rio (!), to go to the temple every week, to prove that I can live this gospel every day, to be there for my friends, to sleep (cause that hasn't happened in a long time), to run (and not be fat at weak), and to work on a car with my dad again.
Rock on. Peace, love, and temple marriage. In that order.
Elder Hill
No comments:
Post a Comment