Service --> Smiles

            I have been trying something new this week!  The other day I was listening to a talk by President Monson called, What Have I Done For Someone Today?  In his talk, President Monson started with the story of Doctor Jack McConnell.  He told of how Doctor McConnell’s dad would ask the family every night at dinner, “What did you do for someone today?”  President Monson explained that, “that expectation and those words inspired [Doctor McConnell) and his siblings to help others throughout their lives.” 

            After listening to that talk I decided to try being accountable to my journal for being the nice guy.  At the end of the day I’ve been reporting on what I did for someone else.  It’s been really cool!  It has totally helped me to be more positive and happy, especially as I include things that I am grateful for that day.

            Missionary work is all about service, and it can be tough.  It can be really easy to become discouraged by all the things that aren’t going the way you want them to.  So go ahead and get in the habit now, or log this idea away for later, so that when you get in the field, counting your blessings and remembering whom you helped at the end of the day can help you find joy in your journey.

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Confidently Humble

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                I recently read a talk by President Eyring called A Child of God.  He talked about attributes of great learners and how to become one.  Out of the many attributes he discussed, humility really stuck out to me.  During the talk, President Eyring brought up the question of whether or not it is possible to possible to pursue excellence in anything without becoming prideful.  Since every missionary wants be an excellent and humble missionary, this made me think of something I wish I had understood earlier in my mission.

                I wish I had understood that you can be confident and humble at the same time.  President Uchtdorf said it best in the Priesthood Session of General Conference, October 2010 when he explained, “Some suppose that humility is about beating ourselves up. Humility does not mean convincing ourselves that we are worthless, meaningless, or of little value. Nor does it mean denying or withholding the talents God has given us. We don’t discover humility by thinking less of ourselves; we discover humility by thinking less about ourselves. It comes as we go about our work with an attitude of serving God and our fellowman.” (President Uchtdorf, Pride and the Priesthood)  It is really easy to be hard on yourself as a missionary.  Instead of beating yourself down, lift someone else up.  That will help you be more humble.

                I think it is totally appropriate to find joy in your accomplishments.  I think it is totally fine to enjoy success.  It is important however to not compare your success to others’ and to not give yourself all the credit.  Every missionary needs the Lord and needs other missionaries.  One Elder in my mission often quoted his football coach saying, “It’s amazing what can be accomplished when no one cares who gets the credit.”

                Sorry if this is a long blog.  I just want to end by saying that the most special experiences I have had on and after my mission with priesthood things have been at times when I really acknowledged how much I need the Lord.  Have a happy, humble mission!