A Marvelous World: Twelve Men

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Twelve Men

Before I came out on my mission, I heard it said that in the two years you serve a mission you learn lessons that would otherwise take you twenty years to learn. When I heard that I did not believe it, but having served I can say that is true.

As my full-time missionary service is drawing to a close, I have been reflecting on the past two years and all the things I have learned from my experience here. I have decided that I want to share some of those lessons through a couple of blog posts.

I was privileged to serve with some of the greatest missionaries here in Montana and Wyoming. The twelve companions I had on the mission have done so much for me and taught me so many things. Some of them I was with for only six weeks and others I spent longer; however, regardless of how long we were companions, I was taught and edified by each and everyone of them. Here are just a few of the lessons I have learned from them, in no particular order.

What genuine service means.
Humility means trusting in the Lord and letting him guide your life.
How to be a leader through example rather than words.
Some of the biggest regrets you will have in life are how you treated people.
Miracles happen as you pray and have faith.
You cannot always wait for someone to give directions. Step up when you know what is right.
Expect the unexpected, especially in the people whom you call friends.
Nothing drives the Spirit away faster than disobedience and contention.
Everyone has personal issues. Some are obvious and some are hidden. The trick is to love no matter what.
It is ok to have fun and be crazy every now and then.
You will have to be patient with others a lot of the time. Just know that people feel the same way about you.
There is no lasting joy nor pleasure in disobedience to the commandments.
You cannot do everything by yourself all the time.
You never stand taller than when you are on your knees.
True repentance is a continual process that changes lives.
How to have true love for people you serve.
Give it your all and get out to work!

The Lord truly blesses us with the lessons we need to learn and the people to teach them to us. I am grateful for the chance I had to serve with each and every one of these missionaries, as well as all the missionaries whom I served around. Without them, I would not be the person I am today, a dedicated disciple of our Heavenly Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ.