Hello!
It was another good week. I feel like I learned a lot this week.
Like how being capable is a process. For a long time I had the idea that if I just decided to do things right, I could do them all right--so I guess I thought if I just concentrated a little harder, I could be perfect. Maybe a couple of months ago the sisters in the mission got together on preparation day for lunch, and the two leaving soon were asked to give a few words of wisdom. One of them said that on her mission, she has learned that God doesn't expect immediate perfection, just immediate progression. And that kind of sums up what I've started to realize.
And I am seeing that we're all just works in progress. I am a better missionary that I was when this began--and a better person, I hope. But I haven't "arrived." I don't think we ever do--thank heavens. There are always other lessons, other challenges--so things won't get boring! And we've been given a whole lifetime to keep working at it.
And one other big lesson this week. Before I cam on my mission, I had felt the joy that comes from obedience and following the Lord--that He really does direct us to the paths that will make us happiest. I tell people often, when we talk about prayer and getting answers and direction, about how I chose a university. I didn't particularly want to go to BYU. But I prayed about where I should go, and it felt right. And I when I followed that prompting, I really did find joy. I found good friends, there are good classes for my major, I had opportunities to do research. When we follow the Lord, he leads us to be more happy.
Joy comes from following, but I think it comes from service, too. And sacrifice. I don't feel like I am doing a lot as a missionary. I don't speak much Korean, and I can't tell you which way is north when we're looking for houses for appointments. I misunderstand people's questions and have a hard time remembering the names of ward members at church. But this week...the members we had taught who were just baptized, came to church and one had brought a friend, and we met another at home...nothing in particular, except realizing I loved them, I wanted the best for them, and that there is joy in that, too.
Have a good week,
Carrie
It was another good week. I feel like I learned a lot this week.
Like how being capable is a process. For a long time I had the idea that if I just decided to do things right, I could do them all right--so I guess I thought if I just concentrated a little harder, I could be perfect. Maybe a couple of months ago the sisters in the mission got together on preparation day for lunch, and the two leaving soon were asked to give a few words of wisdom. One of them said that on her mission, she has learned that God doesn't expect immediate perfection, just immediate progression. And that kind of sums up what I've started to realize.
And I am seeing that we're all just works in progress. I am a better missionary that I was when this began--and a better person, I hope. But I haven't "arrived." I don't think we ever do--thank heavens. There are always other lessons, other challenges--so things won't get boring! And we've been given a whole lifetime to keep working at it.
And one other big lesson this week. Before I cam on my mission, I had felt the joy that comes from obedience and following the Lord--that He really does direct us to the paths that will make us happiest. I tell people often, when we talk about prayer and getting answers and direction, about how I chose a university. I didn't particularly want to go to BYU. But I prayed about where I should go, and it felt right. And I when I followed that prompting, I really did find joy. I found good friends, there are good classes for my major, I had opportunities to do research. When we follow the Lord, he leads us to be more happy.
Joy comes from following, but I think it comes from service, too. And sacrifice. I don't feel like I am doing a lot as a missionary. I don't speak much Korean, and I can't tell you which way is north when we're looking for houses for appointments. I misunderstand people's questions and have a hard time remembering the names of ward members at church. But this week...the members we had taught who were just baptized, came to church and one had brought a friend, and we met another at home...nothing in particular, except realizing I loved them, I wanted the best for them, and that there is joy in that, too.
Have a good week,
Carrie
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