March 24, 2014
Longmont,
CO
What I learned from the tub. If you are cleaning a
tub, and give it a nice once-over once a week, then things are never too bad nor
is there too much to do. Unfortunately, if you let it go for weeks on
end, then it is not quite so nice and cleaning becomes a chore. However
if you go to it thinking, I will work just a little extra on this spot today,
then that becomes one spot where only maintenance will be needed, not intense
scrubbing, and attention can be given to other places where it is
required. Why do we take the Sacrament once a week? Because then we
can keep up with the mud tracked into our lives, and function with things on a
maintenance level, instead of becoming overwhelmed by a dirty tub. If the
tub is dirty though, there are tools to scrub with, things to help, and small
areas to focus on at a time, knowing that by so doing we can be
completely clean. What a wonder!
So this last week I took a nap on p-day, for the first time
of ever just taking a nap as a missionary. It was weird, but I just
couldn't stop. Remember, Mom, when I got home from trek and didn't even
realize that I was falling asleep on the couch? And then I tried to wake
up at one point but it was too much work and I kept sleeping? This was a
nap almost as good as that, it should have me set up for the next several
months :)
We had a great discussion after dinner with a family in the
ward this week about inspiration. Sister Cavalli said something very
profound, "inspiration is rarely convenient." How true!
Something I was thinking of though, often times, we are already going about
doing good and accomplishing much of the Lord's work of our own volition.
Sometimes however, He needs something special done. Usually it is
something that we couldn't know of ourselves that needs to happen, because we
don't see the whole picture that He sees. Then He tells us, lets us know
there is something that needs doing which is a little out of our norm or out of
our way, but He is counting on us to fulfill His purposes. When those
calls come, please answer. When they aren't coming, please know that you
are qualified for and following the Spirit by keeping your covenants, even if
specific promptings don't seem to be happening, you are still accomplishing
much of the Lord's work.
Fun Sister DeFord self-realization experience of the
week. We talked to someone new who told us she wasn't interested.
The Mormon rules are just a little too strict for her lifestyle. As we
went away, I had the thought that "Yeah, sometimes it is a little strict
for me too, but it is true." I admit it, there are guidelines which
we have, both in the Church in general and as missionaries, which are a little
strict for what I would prefer. I feel like, in my prideful way, that I
would do just fine outside of some of those things. But I cannot deny
that the love which I know my Heavenly Father has for me means they are for my
benefit, if only to allow him to bless me for obedience. And I know that
the means by which we receive these guidelines is inspired and the only way by
which I would accept them, through leaders who are called of God and worthy and
authorized to lead the Church of Jesus Christ.
Had some great new things on the investigator front, and
lots of miracles this week, but my favorite picture moment was this. We
showed up at E's house to invite him to church, and he opened the door
with his glasses on and his finger in a book which he had been reading.
El Libro de Mormon! Couldn't have grinned bigger :)
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