I've been trying to think of the best words to describe how we feel after having a long exciting, productive, spiritual day. Previously Sherrie mentioned that we are now serving in three units (or congregations) of our church here in Sacramento. Sometimes on a typical Sunday we can start meeting with church leaders and members in ward council meetings at 7 am and then continue on with attendance at other meetings and worship services in the three units until 6 pm in the evening. One description is to say "we have a euphoric feeling of spiritual contentment as we drop to our knees in prayer at the end of the day". I certainly don't mean that in a bragging way, but there is nothing more satisfying than to be able to help people along the roads of life. Some are strong and well established in their spiritual life, some are just beginning their walk with the Savior, while others are struggling to get back on the path after having gone astray for a while.We wouldn't want our mission to be any other way. It is very satisfying to us.
Two of these congregations have a lot of "older members" like Sherrie and I, and the Bishop of one of these units asked Sherrie and I to speak last Sunday on the great rewards and benefits of serving the Lord as senior missionaries. It was so funny to look out over the congregation as we spoke to see the mixed reactions of the members. Some were smiling and nudging each other as if saying "that's what we need to do!", yet there were others who are not smiling, meaning they are not quite ready to leave their home comforts of life. We enjoyed speaking but the part we didn't like was the clip art description in the bulletin of an older couple serving a mission. Stooped over, with canes, shuffling along! We don't look that way! Yet! As we concluded speaking the Bishop in the other congregation which shares the same building stopped us in the hallway and asked if we do an encore in their service tomorrow and speak on the same subject. I wonder how their "older members" will respond?
We took a break at the beginning of this week and drove to Independence Oregon to visit with dear friends, Rod and Carole Gabel, that used to live next to us in Chatham Illinois and who have shared many of life's experiences with us. That was 30 years ago, but meeting with them this week was like we were never away from them. The four of us helped each other remember many of our past experiences in Illinois and new experiences of the present. Some of you reading this blog who lived in that Chatham and Springfield Illinois era can relate to such past experiences when I mention pizza projects, raising sweet onions and corn to sell, sorting electrical connectors, building a new chapel, Scout trips, Rod and Carole living in a barn, and many more good times. The four of us unitedly said that some of those experiences of the past were difficult, required a lot of hard work, but at the same time they brought of us all closer to each other and with the Lord.
Well I'm ready to sign off. As Sherrie and I think of all the dear friends we have made over the years I can relate to a couple of quotes.
"A friend is a possession we earn, not a gift". Marvin J. Ashton
"Be the kind of friend who makes it easier for others to obey the commandments when they are with you". Robert D. Hales
Love ya,
Elder John
You don't quite fit the mold of antique missionaries. Of course we know you two just leased your current bodies so you'd be able to handle your OVER the top productive days. As soon as you get home we'll get your walkers out of the garage.
ReplyDeleteIf there's ever been an example of "Carpe diem," it's you two. When we review how your closer walk with the Lord mission began v/s the heart pounding marathon you're in right now, that's our proof it's not only you two who've seized the day but that the day seized you. Yesterday you were building chapels. Today you're building lives. Your investment and its dividends yield more than you'll ever know.