Good Grief

Good Morning!

One of the most difficult things to do when everyone is sick is get them to sit down in front of the TV and watch inspired church leaders share messages of hope and healing with the world. Who'd have thought, huh? 

Because half of our friends are sick, or hunting, or busy, they couldn't watch General Conference with their member friends. They also couldn't watch General Conference for some reason. So we spent this past week trying to help our 18 friends watch General Conference . . . 6 reportedly did. Not my best Conference weekend, but that only matters so much. What I did my best to focus on was the Spirit I felt while watching each session and how I could be a better missionary. 

First; I need to stop comparing my outward results with those of others. And second; I need to be more encouraging, supportive, and positive when I talk to and about other missionaries. Especially as I'm trying to help Elder Cammack grow and improve. 

With a fascination for statistics, it is easy for me to compare how well I'm doing with how well others are doing. I look at their direct fruits and consider mine to be of no consequence, or less quality, simply because the harvest on my end has not been as magnificent. This is something I continue to work on. If I'm being 100% honest, I've participated in a fairly magnificent harvest already. But I become prideful, or maybe selfish, and choose to forget about the past and suffer dejection instead of basking in my gratitude for the work. This is something I will continue to work on. 

One thing I really appreciate about Elder Cammack is his willingness to persevere. Sometimes, often in jest, I tease him. And I probably do that a little too much. I feel that the more positive I can be about him, the faster his missionary skills will grow and the more it will feed his hope for a successful mission. 

Maybe, after all this pondering, I just need to be more grateful and more positive. Sometimes the answer's that simple. I don't have a game plan yet, but now I have two specific focuses. That will help me to improve in these aspects. 

Two wonderful experiences from this past week: 

We taught Julian, a new friend of ours. He is from the Netherlands, and told us at the very start that he is open to the gospel. We shared the message that Christ's gospel and priesthood authority is again restored on the Earth. Julian's most notable, frequent comment was "That makes so much sense!" I pray he progresses quickly. 

I also attended the St. George Temple Open House with Elder Cammack this morning. It was a very peaceful experience. I wouldn't say I felt the Spirit overwhelmingly strong. What I did feel was a sense of assurance that this is right. That the Temple is indeed the House of the Lord. And that these last 4 years of waiting for the St. George Temple to open have been 100% worth the wait. 

As a final thought, I continue to see the hand of God in my life. For example, despite some of my personal worries and, at times, discouragement, He places individuals in my path who lift me up and help me find greater confidence. While at the St. George Temple I met quite a few missionaries who I respect a lot. Talking with them, even though they're super busy or couldn't stay long, helped me to step forward with faith. Even something as small as meeting missionaries at Wal-Mart brings me greater courage. I'm thankful for the love of so many missionaries around me, who reflect the Savior's love so perfectly. 

I know that God leads and guides me as a missionary. I know He is preparing something ahead that is grand and glorious. I also know that I am always in need of improvement. But every minute of every hour in my missionary service has changed who I am. And every minute of every hour will make the next hour better than before. More faithful, more hope-filled, more encouraging, and full of greater harvests. I don't think I'll ever get over how much our Heavenly Father wants to bless us. 

- Elder Williams

Mailing Address:

881 South River Road

St. George, Utah, 84790

Pictures:

1. It was a giant chicken in someone's yard. I just couldn't resist . . .

2. I received a call from some missionaries in my District before we went to eat with the other Elders. This is a snapshot of their silly faces during the call.

3. The St. George Temple!

4. Elder Cammack & myself at the Temple. I didn't know I wanted this shot until I got it! Thank you to the one who convinced me to have it taken.

5. District Council last Monday!

6. The Wood family fed us for dinner on Sunday.