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I Hope They Call Me on a Mission

Recently, a good friend posted about the mission and it got me thinking about my mission and what it means to me. It has been a great chance to reflect - especially since the years after the mission keep flying by and I notice that, slowly, the evidences of my mission have started to fade into the background of my all-too-busy life. So, this post is really to remind myself what the mission means to me - but thanks for reading along with me. :) I cannot possibly post all of my reflections here because, as Elder Holland says frequently, "My mission meant EVERYTHING to me!". I pretty much feel the same way. But here are a few (or quite a few) of the ways that the mission means everything to me:

- It means I set the alarm for 7:00...and I'm grateful for that extra 30 minutes.
- It means I have a greater appreciation for being able to do whatever I want, all by myself!
- It means I recognize how awesome it is that I don't have to wear nylons (or a dress) everywhere I go.
- It means I am overwhelmingly grateful on cold winter days that I am inside, sipping hot cocoa instead of knocking doors.
- It means I know how to set a goal, write it down, and make it happen.
- It means I know how to plan my days, hour by hour, to make sure I am using my time wisely.
- It means I am better at studying - the scriptures and for school.
- It means I have marginally mastered the Spanish language - or at least the missionary appropriate vocabulary.
- It means I have a greater cultural awareness and deep love for Latino's and people around the world (and Cheesesteaks...and Rita's Waterice...and Tastykakes...and Pesto Pizza).
- It means I have greater empathy for the struggles others face and greater respect for the challenges they conquer.
- It means I have a greater understanding, love and reverence for the Prophet Joseph.
- It means I understand why The Book of Mormon is the keystone of our religion and I am intimately acquainted with the power of it's pages.
- It means I have a testimony of fasting, prayer and the power of unity.
- It means I understand and love the Plan of Salvation.
- It means I recognize my need for the Sacrament and temple attendance to frequently renew the covenants I have made.
- And above all, it means that I know and love my Savior; that I am extraordinarily grateful for His magnificent Atonement and that I recognize my absolute dependence on Him to be cleansed, sanctified and one day exalted.

This doesn't even begin to scratch the surface of what my mission means to me, but I am so grateful that, in spite of my weaknesses and imperfections, The Lord did call me on a mission.

Comments

Baby Sister said…
Isn't it great what a mission can do? :) I will be forever grateful for mine.
October 12, 2011 at 5:14 PM
Jessica said…
Ah, you make me jealous!
October 12, 2011 at 8:31 PM
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