*Last month was the anniversary of my maternal grandmother's death. I don't remember exactly which day it was; but I do remember the exact day I learned about it. It was the day before Mother's Day; and I found out while in the midst of preparing for a fireside the missionaries were putting on, to help inform and excite people about missionary work. While going through old planners, I found a transcript of the remarks I made that day. It was brief, but I felt it was important to share this completely honest statement I made about missionary work, mere hours after receiving life-changing news.
The joy of missionary work is people -- God's children. That joy comes from relationships. I'm glad that I can be here in Korea, because I've had so many chances to meet new people and form new relationships. Relationships give us the chance to sacrifice, forgive, and love -- chances to become more like Christ. Learning to love without motivation or reward is a huge blessing. Love -- charity -- is God's central attribute. When we learn charity, we become a little better, and come to experience a bit of the joy God has.
In one of my favorite movies, Les Miserables, there's a song that teaches this. It says, "To love another person is to see the face of God." Joy comes from love. On my mission I have learned to love like never before, and I am so grateful.
I would like to share one scripture about the love that I want to achieve while I'm here: the love I want to share with everybody.
45 And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
46 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail—
47 But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.
(Moroni 7:45-47)
On Mother's Day, missionaries are allowed to Skype home and talk with their families for an hour. This morning, I called my parents to let them know when I would Skype them. They said that something had happened. I called my mission president, and after a moment of silence he informed me that my maternal grandmother had unexpectedly passed away. I was allowed to call my family again and talk to them for a little bit. Right before we finished our conversation, my mom asked me how I felt. I told her that I wanted to help people. I wanted to do what Jesus would do. I wanted to think about others, and do things for others. That is the joy of missionary work. Christ told His Apostles,
24 . . . If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
(Matthew 16:24-26)
I know that is true. It is my choice to be here, it is my choice to serve, and it is a choice I am proud of. I know that Jesus Christ lives, and through Him all men will live again. Because of Him, death does not last, and families can be eternal. There are no goodbye's in Heavenly Father's plan; only temporary pauses and everlasting beginnings. I love this country, and I love this people. I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve you. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
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