As the time approaches that I will find out where I’m going to serve for the next 2 years, I ponder. I’ve grown nervous in a good way, but somewhat feel underprepared. As odd as this sounds I know I’ll have time to study all I want on this mission so I’ve been only spiritually inclined to work on myself. Whether it means work to be more loving, more considerate, or even just being an example in general. I am changing, I will be changing. I can see my spirit shift from its chaotic teenager self to a more controlled peace. Like that of our Savior I have been working hard to be like him. But it’s hard, hard when all I get tempted to do is be distracted. I live in a pit of distractions, while yes I definitely put myself there-this passion for the Holy Ghost only stays when I humble myself and keep what is most important close to me. I spoke to a friend and she tells me she has been struggling with stress, school, and friends. She says she lost some of them, now she doesn’t know what to do with herself. Hopefully this distance from friends is to keep her off drugs, or she will spiral into drugs even worse because she is lonely and stressed.
I know, weird right? I religious guy like me speaking to, hugging, and supporting a druggie or whatever. Well if you are religious too and think that’s weird, let me explain my paradigm.
The thing that brings us closer to becoming like Jesus Christ is NOT avoiding all people who make some tough decisions, yet it is loving them more and more than they have ever been loved before. No matter who they are or what they struggle with, even if they just aren’t trying to be better—YOU be that example. You show them love, you give them so much love that they get confused and ask you why, and when you tell them the reason is because you love God and God loves them, and you are one day trying to be like our Heavenly Father well then, and only then, will they see Gods hand in there life. As you must be the evidence, you must be the scissors to cut the blindfold. You are a survivor of trials like they are. Just because someone else’s is a little more serious doesn’t mean you should run and hide, but love them and find respectful ways to tell them what they are doing is wrong is they don’t see I that way.
You want someone to look back and be like “well hey that Ben kid was like the most caring cool guy ever. I wonder why? Wasn’t he religious or something, oh yeah he was an LDS Mormon, hmm I’m struggling maybe I should look into that. If it can bring him peace why can’t I get that peace too” BOOM DONE.
If there is one thing I have learned recently, is don’t be afraid to be that weird guy/girl in the room, who is just different from the others because he/she actually cares. Don’t be afraid to genuinely love everyone around you. Tell them you support them. I tell a lot of people I love them, and I know it’s easy to say like that’s weird but if I am trying to be like Jesus and he tells everyone he loves them why am I to be any different? I do love everyone. Please Id love to talk with and help everyone in the world. Let’s sit down and talk about stuff. I wanna cry and laugh and smile with everyone. Because I love you guys. And when I say it I really do mean it. Whether you think that’s unrealistic or not.