Hello dear ones!
Well, first things first. I love being a missionary. No work in this life is more fulfilling in absolutely every way. I wake up every morning knowing Heavenly Father loves me, and that He will guide me through the day and give me everything I need to make it until bed that night. I feel Him so close. It makes me so happy. I cannot wait for the day I get to see Him again.
One of the best things about the mission field is that every day you have the opportunity to do things that are eternally significant. I loved my life at home, but already a mission is showing me how much time I wasted doing things that really don't matter. I wish I'd known how to work this hard and do so much when I was in school! I'd have had awesome grades! And I'd have accomplished so much more! But nonetheless, I have seen the hand of our Father in Heaven guiding me every step of the way, and I am so grateful for every experience I've had up to this point in my relatively short life. I feel like Nephi, having been born (and raised) by goodly parents, and having been blessed to know of the tender mercies of the Lord in my youth. Everything I do, everything I am, has been a gift from Him, and I am just so grateful. And now I have had the grand opportunity to consecrate my life to His service. I am so glad :)
I am often caught off guard by how fast tiem flies! One of my 24 precious months is already gone! I can't believe it! Days feel like weeks here, but weeks go by like days. It really makes me want to work my very hardest every day!
Indeed the promises towards those who "Lose themselves in the service of their God" are true. Those who lose their lives for His sake will certainly find them again! Yes, I am still alive, but I think a mission is really one way of losing your life. You give up everything to come. And for me, even my culture and my language. You think it would be easy to lose your identity in a crowd of unfamilliar things, surrounded by people you can hardly communicate with, and being away from everyone that knows you best. Well, you'd be right if it wasn't for Heavenly Father. The great thing is, we are never too far away from Him for Him to not be intricately involved in our lives. Even when I am alone, I am not alone. And I don't feel alone. Even in the midst of trials and sacrifices that seem like they would make me lose myself, He is my anchor.
I realize now that I am who I am because of Him. All of the things I like about myself have come from Him. All the things I love in my life are things He has given me. He makes me powerful, and gives me the strength I need to conquer any trial, and to change the lives of everyone I meet for the better. I love it so much! Truly, by losing your life in the service of God, you will find it again. And the Lord does not leave his servants comfortless.
Well, I hope somehow I can be a light to all who recieve my letters! I love you all so much! Especially my family. I can't wait to see you guys again! And thank you so much Haley, Anthony, Nathalie, and Jacci, your leters mean a lot to me. They give me so much strength, and make me want to be the very best I can. I love you guys so much! Don't forget it! But also, don't forget Heavenly Father loves you more :)
All the best my friends!
Elder Viglione
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