Having returned from my mission for twenty-two days, been on vacation, received a calling, reported to the ward, and enjoyed the brief but long awaited reunion with so many friends and family, I find myself in the midst of what was commonly called (though I believe incorrectly so) the 'real' world by many of my fellow Elders in the mission field. New challenges and unfamiliar cares settle squarely into view; not all together replacing the work and worries of the mission field, but so complete is the shift from one reality and work to another as to leave the first seeming as a dream. This I loath.
It is a strange feeling indeed to be so suddenly removed from the work into which all my time, work, love, effort and passion have been poured over the course of the last twenty-four months. The sudden separation would have been unbearable if severed heartstrings were not immediately reconnected with the familiar and loving embrace of family and friends at home.
More common than almost any other question asked me is, "How are you adjusting?" Though immediate adjustments were required and made, the real challenge that lay ahead is not in adjusting to the demands of life and the cares of the world. Rather, the greatest challenge that lay ahead will be to remaining diligent and true to the patterns and truths that were taught and experience through my mission; patterns which, if followed, lead to increased light and understanding until the perfect day. This goal, at first glance of the returning missionary, seems ill served by the fast paced life and tempo of the family life I return to. Work, school, bills, friends, dating, callings, movies and even music all seem to compete and demand time and energy from all my loved ones. I suspect that herein lies one of the greatest tests of this mortality: to be in the world, and not of the world. It is now no wonder to me why President Monson has, on so many occasions, told us to carefully determine those things which matter most, prioritize, and act accordingly.
It also ceases to be a wonder to me why Elder Richard G. Scott, when he spoke to my mission, taught us that the answer to many of life's challenges in post-mission life are best faced by an eternal companionship, and establishing that union should be our first priority. I know from experience that changes made, challenges met, and fears faced are easier done by two. In this fast paced world where time, money, and commitment are demanded on every side; in this world where so narrow and strait the path to health and happiness and eternal families in the presence of God; in this world where danger, distraction, and death are lurking around every corner, surely one of the greatest strengths and blessings one could have is a companionship, each fully committed to Christ, and to each other. Ultimately, the journey back to God and the fulfillment of our eternal potential and progression cannot be made alone. But the faithful in Christ have the promises of God, and all things shall be made unto them right.
Priorities change, challenges occur, and life moves ever on to the tic tock of time. Through it all, truth remains unchanged, priesthood holds and binds, and faith in Christ enables us to keeps beat with the demands of life, being in the world, but not of the world.
Don't forget your daily dose of Scripture
2 comments:
This is a great post Sam. I can say from experience that it is a challenge worth embracing and that the spiritual reward of continuing to apply yourself can have just as big an effect on your life as your mission has. I know there are often superlatives placed on mission experience and I wouldn't trade mine for anything. However, I also feel that your mission does not have to be the most spiritual period in your life. It should be a highlight along with many other times in your life when you were close to the Lord and engaged heavily in His work.
You are right. In fact, my mission will probably be in large measure a failure if they are the "best two years" of my entire life. From here I can leap off this spring board of spiritual growth and experience into deeper understanding and greater application of the gospel in my life.
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