It was one of those weeks where nothing really crazy happened, other than it getting hotter and more humid here.
On Sunday it was my last fast and testimony meeting on my mission. Which is bitter sweet. But It was a good time for me to reflect on everything the Lord has taught me throughout the course of my mission.
As I pondered on what to say so many things came to mind, all the people I’ve met, all the things companions have taught me, and all the things the spirit taught me through personal studies and others. It felt like a personal interview from the Spirit honestly.
But the biggest thing that kept coming to mind that I learned was how much God loves each and every one of us. I may have shared this before but I’m gonna share it again because this prayer has set a course for my mission and helped me understand people more than I ever could.
On the plane ride to Georgia from the missionary training center on our descent to land I leaned forward in my seat and I said a prayer asking God that for the next 24 months of my life He help me see through His eyes and love for the people in Georgia just as He would.
And I believe that because of that prayer my heart was opened and stretched to great lengths and now as these 24 months come to a close my heart is full and continues to over flow with the amount of love I have gained for not only these people but for this gospel.
This Gospel is true. It is pure. And it has blessed my life more than I ever thought it could. As I have sought to understand the teachings of our dear Savior and have prayed to truly know it’s true, and to truly live and apply it I have been called to do more than I was expecting.
Going into my mission I thought sharing my beliefs with others would be fun and easy and people would be accepting for the most part. I was wrong, and I learned that fairly quickly haha. But I’m glad it hasn’t been easy,
I’m glad I was able to learn much more than I intended to because that’s what God’s plan is about. It’s about God’s love for us, and learning. Sometimes in ways we aren’t expecting. But it’s those lessons that will strengthen us and transform us into stronger disciples and children of God.
I not only know but I understand the role of our Savior. I understand how to live a more uplifting life, and I understand the role of the Book of Mormon. It is true. It is centered on the gospel that Christ taught and it is another strong testament that He lives and loves each and everyone.
My testimony has grown, it has been tried and tested but because of that it has been strengthened. I learned to embrace the trials in life because through the grace of Christ I can overcome them. I am so grateful for the privilege and opportunity I had to experience just a little of what Christ had to face as far as rejection, and persecution as He taught how to return to our Father in Heaven and how we can live a more enlightened and peaceful life.
I wouldn’t change any of these experiences for anything and they will be memories I will cherish forever. I hope everyone has a wonderful week and also a happy mother’s! I love you!
P.S. Shout out to my Momma for being there for me and being my rock! I’ll never forget the day I left into the MTC when I hugged you goodbye for 2 years and under the soft tears running down our faces you reminded me that you have been and always will be my rock through hard times.
These past two years you’ve helped me get through some of those hardest times and I am so grateful for you. You’re amazing Mom. I hope you know hope much I truly love you!
From your boy,
Dakota
Love,
Elder Summers
Cinco de Mayo cookin!
