8/28/12

August 28, 2012

Hello Family!

Its been a good day thus far, and we have some good appointments lined up for the rest of this day. Thinking of "good days", I always think of one of the cashiers at the Vista Target who always said "Everyday is a good day, just some days are better than others. Yesterday's history, tomorrow's a mystery, and today's a gift- that's why its called the present." I always liked that guy. Even though it was a rote thing, he was sincere when he said that to everyone. It was his sincerity that brightened my day. Its been a really good week, and I look forward to making the most out of this next week too. I will have my preparation day on Tuesday next week too, just so you all know. So, emails will be on Tuesday again. But I'm guessing the following week will be back to normal.

This past week was full of learning opportunities. I learned that I was believing a lie for quite some time. A very subtle lie. The lie was that I shouldn't be too "pushy" or bold when meeting strangers on the street or at their doorstep. But the truth is, we are representatives of the Savior. He suffered and died for us, so that we don't have to suffer for our errors. If I don't give people a clear choice, if I don't invite them and give them that opportunity to clearly say yes or no, then I have not fulfilled my purpose as a missionary to "invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored Gospel." Just to say "hey, hows it going today?" then to say nothing if they say nothing, that is not clear enough. So, what I've learned is that there is a difference between being bold and being over-bearing. I was believing that being bold was being pushy, but that's not true. We shouldn't fear man more than God. That's one of the things I've learned. That's been really effective for me and Elder Pitre to put into practice and apply it in our real life situations. Its going to make both of us more effective, and that's exciting to me!

The Gospel of Jesus Christ makes life make sense. Before going on my mission, I questioned everything to the core. But there was a point where I stopped, because if you come to the conclusion that there is nothing, no plan, no organization, then it is utter chaos. If its utter chaos, what's the point of existing? I'm happy to know that there is a purpose to our existence. It is a beautiful plan. Its a simple plan, even when you dig a little deeper. And I'm grateful for the plan, no matter how naive or silly the world will falsely say it is. The truth is, the plan shows us how things really are, how they really will be. Its a plan of Happiness! "Jesus Christ is the way, the only way to happiness and fulfillment. Every other way is madness." (That's a paraphrased quote from one of my favorite general conference talks)

I truly am grateful for every single one of you. I love you! Work hard to center your life on the Gospel. And everything will fall into place. I promise you!

Much love and gratitude,
-Elder Brett Simper-