Joseph Smith liked to call himself a "rough stone, rolling". He was always a tremendous example of humility and obedience. If he was a rough stone rolling, then I am a boulder crashing through the forest. I remember what my first mission president said he'd like to have on his tombstone. "James E. Slaughter, friend of Joseph Smith." Why would anyone who is living 150 years after Joseph Smith died want to be known as his friend? Perhaps it is because when you learn about someone as amazing as him, you'd want to spend as much time with him and learning of him as possible. That's what's true for me. President Slaughter also wanted "Praise to the Man" to be played at his funeral- not for him, but for Joseph. That's a heck of a thought.
This week was excellent. It was one of those weeks that you dream of as a missionary. Faith-based and Spirit-led. A whole lot of work, and a whole lot of fun. We had beautiful lessons with our investigators, and had perfect execution working with members of the Ward. We had a good amount of people attend sacrament meeting, and all of them came out loving it, probably more than I did. I always wonder what is going on in the hearts of our investigators. What are they thinking? How are they feeling? What can I do for them? How can I make this the best hour of their life? This is some of the most important moments of their lives, and I am a key part of this. I am the conductor of this religious experience for them, and the notes have to be hit, the rhythm can't be too fast, the intonation just right. This week everything had a pretty ring to it.
With my time running short, I've been trying to throw all my wisdom onto my humble companion, Elder P
. There's a conflict within me though as I begin relaying information. "Let him find out on his own. It'll be better for him"/"You need to give him this knowledge now"/"What is he ready for?" different thoughts float around in my mind. If I do not give away this knowledge I have, it may be wasted. If I give it away improperly, it'll be lost anyways. How can I make this special to him? What is most important? The amount of advice I give narrows, but becomes more powerful.
I'm glad that I am surrounded by excellent examples, both of friends and family. When people ask about my family, I usually end up telling them more than they wanted. Hopefully it doesn't sound arrogant or flaunting, but I like to talk about them. They've known me for 20 years, and they don't just tolerate me, they're actually willing to help me! They're good people.
I've been trying very hard to do things the right way. I've been trying to fulfill the Lord's vision the best way I can for the past 23 months, but even more so these past few weeks. About a year ago I began striving to be transparent. Even longer ago I tried to find the balance. I learned transparency, but I'm still working on balance.
This was a very nebulous email. Hopefully it was also a good one.
Elder Richard Hall
1. The wedding we went to last week. The Bride's side was Filipino, if you couldn't tell
2. Black's Barbecue after district meeting. Solid
3. Tom Glavine-signed Jersey a member wanted me to buy from him. Tempting.
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