short e-mails
So I have been accused of writing
short e-mails these last few weeks. It's completely true. It's very hard to
push myself to write a lot when I have started to think about when I need to
start packing and what I should bring and what I should leave. It's not because
I don't love you, it's because the stuff that has been going on lately varies
only slightly from the happenings of the past two years. I agree with everyone
else though. It doesn't feel like 2 years. It feels like maybe a few months.
Then I think of all the memories and lessons I've learned. The awesome days and
the absolutely horrible days. Funny enough if I had to pick out only a few days
to keep from my mission it would mostly be made up of bad days and horrible
mistakes. These are the days I learned the most. I'd also keep the personal studies
from when I was in Ottawa. I learned more about the Bible and what it teaches
about Christ during those months than my entire 4 years of Seminary (though
that's not at all seminary's fault).
What would I trade in exchange for
these 2 years? Well, having my calling and election made sure and receiving the
promise that I'll enter into exaltation in the Celestial Kingdom with my
family, but other than that I wouldn't trade anything. Is it because I loved my
mission? Well I loved a lot of things on my mission, though others took the
form of "learning opportunities" (as I've mentioned above). Really
rather than saying I loved my mission, I'd say I'm grateful to God and His Son
Jesus Christ for the blessing and opportunity to serve, and if asked I would do
it again. The second time around I wouldn't have to figure out why I was there
half way through. I came the first time because it was what I was supposed to
do. But I stayed because I have come to love my Savior, and I want to do
anything I can to try and repay him for what he did, does, and has covenanted
to continue to do for me. Was my service fun? Certain parts of it were, though
those are memories that would get tossed out if I had to start losing memories
because they are of no lasting value (beyond the friends I've made). I didn't
come to have fun, I came to serve. Some missionaries do learn to find our work
fun, but for me it has only been service, but like they teach in the newest
Mormon message (watch it it's amazing), service is what heals the soul, and
gives it substance. It makes it far easier to find ourselves, because there is
so much more of us to find (credit to Elder Christofferson for that one).
I love you all so much! I'll be
writing you again on Monday ONE LAST TIME!!!
Love you all so much!
Elder Hardy
p.s. is my topic the same in the Y.S.A ward?
