The Light in the Tunnel

Good Morning!

In a previous email, titled "My Two Year Calling", I mentioned sensing a figurative light at the end of my tunnel. It has been over two months since then, and that light is closer than ever before. I am still awaiting word from the mission office on my return. I've prayed about it every night, so I know that as long as I keep strengthening myself, I'll return to the Utah, St. George Mission on God's timetable. 

I'd hoped to fill this email with the excitement of returning to my mission. Yet, that news isn't here yet. You'll notice I'm sending this on a Sunday. This is because my missionary email account access will be removed tonight. I'm not sure how this next week will work out, but my Stake President and I hope to be contacted soon, in which case I'll do what I need to keep everyone aware of what's happening. 

Even though I feel that I know patience, God has definitely tested that capacity these past three weeks. Nevertheless, I'm proud to have made it this far. Even if I'm home for another month, I've proved to myself that I can do hard things. That mountains can be moved! I'm proud of my progress, and I know God is too. 

I finished "Jesus the Christ" earlier this week, and I'm grateful for what it taught me about Christ's ministry. It was over seven hundred pages of reading, but I came out with a lot more knowledge. 

I brought up the 'light at the end of the tunnel' sensation because of where I feel I am. Going on a mission was a huge step in my journey. Coming home was another large one. But by far, most of the steps on this railway of trial and hardship have been small and incremental. The kind of steps you can't recognize day by day, but are noticeable as the weeks and even months pass. 

There are many reasons I put as much effort into my emails as I do. I want readers to understand what members of the Church of Jesus Christ believe. I hope to help others with the themes I recognize as the weeks pass. But, perhaps most of all, I want you to understand me. I don't share every secret ever, but I fancy myself the main character in these episodes. If a moment in my life can improve part of yours, then this is an overall success. 

In the first chapter in the Book of Mormon, Nephi shares a divine truth that can be found throughout the entire volume of scripture. 

1 Nephi 1:20 - . . . the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance.

I've seen this in my life. My faith has helped me through this trial and allowed me to grow so close to the tunnel's end. The light is there, deliverance is possible. Remember the fundamentals:

Faith, hope and prayer work miracles. The little blessings day by day are witness of this. 

God will always help his children, so long as we reach out and take the hand he offers us. He won't judge us; He offers us the chance to change. 

See yourself as the main character in your story. The supporting cast is important, but you are the focus. Treat yourself with the idea that you really can accomplish your goals. 

And finally, if things feel like they're heading out of control, there's an impending sense of doom, or that light is growing a little too close just a bit too fast, then you're going the wrong way, and you need to turn around. 

That's the train. 

- Talmage Williams

Pictures:
1, 3-4. Funny substitutions for my lack of photo taking this week.
2. Why we need church.
5. The babies - credit to Sandra Williams

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