January 14th, 2020 Week 14 Sickness and Service, Layton Utah Wk4

皆さん!

 

Hope everyone has been doing well! Anything exciting happen? I know a lot of people are starting to trickle back into school, so hopefully you all aren't too stressed! Keep at it and keep studying hard! And to everyone else, hopefully you can find some time to take a breather now and again from work. I know we're just getting out of the holiday season, but make sure you're working hard - but smart! You can't work as well when you're sick - I can testify of that!

 

Because that... was me, all this week. I kind of figured it was coming, and that it was only a matter of time, but it finally happened. I ended up trying to push through it, but ended up only making it worse, and really took me out of commision for a day or two. ...Whoops. I've never had the best immune system, so I'm not all that surprised, but still, take care of yourself, everyone! Don't be like me...

 

Other than that, everything is going well here! Our focus has been learning as much as it has been teaching this week! And boy, is there a lot to learn. We had the opportunity to learn from one of the counselors in the mission presidency through Zoom, and holy cow, there's a lot to learn. We learned even more about asking good and inspired questions - and how it can direct others to draw on experiences that can make lessons more personal to them. But we've learned so much just through the people we're meeting with, too! I always have a notebook nearby to write down things they say - because there are lessons I feel like I learn more than I teach! Those kinds of discussions are honestly the best kind! 

 

We're continuing to teach as many people as we can here, though it largely consists of members. But if I'm being completely honest, that's okay with me - though I recognize we are set apart to preach the Gospel to those who do not have it, I have a strong testimony that in order to do that, we need to strengthen the faith and the zeal of the members here in Utah, as well. People are people - no matter who they are, where they are from, or what they believe. I think during this time of  tribulation, we all could use a message of hope, peace, and comfort. So we've been working closely with the stake presidency (the leadership over this area) to try to minister to the needs of those around us, no matter who we are. And what we've found is that there are a lot of people who appear to be handling it well, but in reality are trying to make it appear that way to others. Some of them aren't really forthright about it, either, and at times the only reason we're able to see it is through some of the wording of phrases or even some cues on their faces. We're working hard to make sure that though these times are hard, everyone can come to know for a better surety that there are people that care about them. It's okay to struggle - everyone is, right now. And some struggles run deeper than the pandemic, as well. Our goal - what we're here to do - is to help them through that. To help them find peace and joy. After all, that is what Christ has always done for us - and it is what He and Heavenly Father are directing us to do now.

 

We've done our best to put love at the forefront of everything we do, which is something we've always tried to do, but have put an extra emphasis on this week. Above conversion, above anything - our purpose is to invite others to come unto Christ. And how can we do that if we don't show others the same love that He showed to every person He met? Ultimately, everything we hope to do - all the hope we can ever hope to give - has to start with that fundamental principle of His Church - love. Because at the core of everything we believe resides that truth - that They live, and They love us! And though we face trials, They want us to grow and change. They want us to become better. But they cannot force us to change - we have to choose to do so. After all, in many cases, we can only learn something if we experience it for ourselves.

 

It's fascinating to see how putting love first has truly changed the work here. We've seen so many miracles that have been brought about as a result. Simply changing our focus from teaching with love to teaching because of love has really allowed us to help so many more people than we possibly could have otherwise. We're still working closely with the family I mentioned last week - and though they have a lot of questions, I believe they're truly starting to feel Heavenly Father's love for them. And a lot of that, I think, has been because of that shift in focus. As we've strived to put our love at the forefront... hopefully they are able to feel not only our love, but the love of a Heavenly Father and a Savior. 

 

I love what Elder Bednar said about it - paraphrasing a little bit, he said that ultimately, our job is to carry enough love that our message can be brought to their hearts. It has always been and will always be up to those we teach to choose to allow it in their hearts. And we can only bring our message to their hearts through the Holy Spirit - the Comforter, which dwells with us in light as we strive to follow Him, and which can be with us always when we are baptized, to teach us and to comfort us through times of trial and strife.

 

It is my testimony that it is the Spirit that allows us to communicate with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. But just as we must choose to follow Them, we must choose to listen to the Spirit. It's my belief that's the reason the Spirit speaks so quietly, and only through feelings and thoughts - we have to choose to still our minds and listen. But I know that as we do so, and act in faith, the Spirit will testify to us of truth - and above all, that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ live!

 

Because They do, and know us perfectly, They will always speak to us in the way that we will best be able to learn and understand. We just have to listen for Them, and They are there. But it is a feeling that we have to try for ourselves. Don't just take my word for it - try it for yourself! Find a quiet place and pray. Try to listen for the "still, small" voice of the Spirit. I promise that if you're sincere, asking in the name of Jesus Christ whether or not They live, you will be able to feel those feelings of calm and peace - and you can know that these things are true.

 

 

Above all, I'm just so grateful for the opportunity to be here. To help the people here. I know that I'm here for a reason - and if I can just share the joy and love that They have for each and every one of us? If I can just share that Christ knows our pains and afflictions, and knows how best to help us and bring us comfort?

 

That's enough for me.

 

Take care, everyone! You all are amazing - take care and stay safe!

 

Elder Decker

デッカー長老