March 21, 2022

From Ben - Our Foundation for Joy

The steady drumbeat of life continues to thrum. 

But then! The cymbals come flying out of nowhere! Throwing the drum in a frantic increase of tempo!

A hidden orchestra in the back reveals itself and a conductor with wild hair begins to wave his baton.

Oh gosh! It's a incredible! Colors and vibrancy explode in an amazing flurry of music! 

Tears come easy to the audience as the conductor carries his majestic band of musicians through the telling of amazing triumphs and terrible tragedies.

The little drummer in the middle, 5'6", strawberry blonde hair, glasses, a bit of a nerd, was surprised that, for a moment, he was getting bored.

He forgot he was in The Orchesta with friends and  musicians around him, and even for a moment, The Conductor. 

It was a good week :)

On Wednesday, Elder Morphis, Hermana Pearson and I finally attempted to make our music video. 

Them on the violins, me on the keys. 

We brought in Elder Buetler, this cool camera tech Elder with an awesome smile and a hilarious laugh. 

We thought it was going to take us two hours to film, however, it took four... 

We all felt a little guilty for the length of time it took, but it was real fun. 

We played a cover on Consider the Lillies. 

The Church building we are in has this amazing staircase with incredible acoustics.

Music has existed before the foundations of the world.

I don't know what reason it exists, but it is important. 

The song of redeeming love is sung by the soul, and it's wonder filled. 

In the end, I blew 25$ on some Dominoes pizza to celebrate our triumphant music video efforts, only to find out that it was a rare three week pay period. Leaving me in desperate financial straits. 

On Thursday I got to go on exchanges with Elder Jensen. He's such a hero. 

Very quiet, very soft spoken, very courageous. 

We did Zebra work, so everytime I'd start talking to someone who spoke Spanish only, he moonwalk his way into the conversation and carry on. 

Together we learned the power of 30 second lessons with a sincere testimony in them. 

We got some DQ and found some cool people to teach. 

He is someone who I want to be more like. 

He doesn't do things for recognition (a particular weakness of mine) and yet, he's recognized for it. 

Kind of a weird process. 

But the power he holds for being kind for kindess' sake. It's incredible.

The sun is starting to show, and I feel epic being able to get in a white shirt and tie with a bold black tag outside. If me and Elder Durant are feeling especially cool, we even roll up the sleeves.

District Council this week was stellar. 

A Sister gave an instruction on JOY and described the acronym as Jesus, Others, You. 

Very well given and filled with worthwhile discussion. 

There's an objection to spiritual feelings and direction that is summed up in the idea that the individual is imagining, or working themselves up to it. 

A valid objection. And one that can be true I think. 

However. The Joy that comes from living the Gospel of Jesus Christ, when experienced, is something unique.

It is almost tangible at its highest feeling, and unbelievably motivating in its smaller moments. 

But it is real. And Divinely given. 

And I think there is a God-science reason for it. 

There of course must be an opposition in all things, and we know the existence of suffering creates the possibility of happiness. 

So when we build our life upon the person of Jesus Christ, who suffered infinitely and eternally, it also provides the basis and foundation for a joy that matches the depth of His suffering. That being Eternal.

The Joy of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is one founded upon infinite suffering.

Alma 7:12 implies that that is what gives Christ his power to consecrate every one of our weaknesses, sadnesses and tragedies to our greatest possible good. 

And then when you throw in the variable of pure love to this whole thing. It all becomes quite wonderful  

Anyways. Love you all!

- Elder Smith

1-2) Missionary memes. They are a valuable currency.

 

3) Just on a walk during a warm day.

4) The Zone

5) Getting home late one night. Elder Durant bemoaning the amount of time the next bus will be here.

6) Laundry day when we don't have enough loonies

7) Just our living room

8) Service at the food bank

9) Elder Jensen, the legend. 

10) Comp Study at a bus bench on our exchange 

From Mom

Dear Ben,

On a scale of 1-10 in busy-ness, this week was a solid 10. Phew! We’re glad to be home after a good visit with both sides of the family. Payton and Logan were sealed in the Cardston temple and, as always, so beautiful to be in the temple with loved ones and a super fun reception after. It wouldn’t be a Bruce party without a wrestling match with Josh and Sam though. Hahaha. No one was hurt.  But the couple look very happy together. 

We also stopped in Glenwood to celebrate Grandpa Smith‘s 75th birthday. He’s slowly recovering from his last surgery and infection. The party included a Spotlight round and a slideshow that had

us laughing. This morning Grandpa said, “Wow! I seem more tired than usual.”

Me: “Well, you stayed up until after 10 p.m. last night partying!”

Grandpa: “I did?”

Me: “Do you remember the slideshow?”

Grandpa: “No.”

Me: “Do you remember being the Spotlight?”

Grandpa: “What Spotlight?”

Me: “What about the birthday pies Colleen made you?”

Grandpa: *gives me the silent stare *

Me: “Don’t worry about it, Liz recorded everything.” 

He jokes about his bad memory, but he really can’t remember short term stuff. Especially when he’s tired.

A snowstorm had us worried on the way home but we missed it, and luckily too … because we got a flat tire.

Again. (That would be THREE times now. )

Happily, it’s income tax time and now we can get some new tires.  Abby has become champion Jack operator.

It seriously feels like I ran all week though. So. Tired. I’m squeaking in assignments, doing lots of driving, as usual …  But I’m super excited that it worked out for me to buy a plane ticket to go see Steph in eight days! The girls will be home for Spring Break so I don’t have to drive to school. They’re going to have some fun with Dad and I will get a break of my own with the Froelichs. 

Also, a funny story. Mia had a disappointing time last weekend due to a canceled ski trip with Emma. I asked her what would help her get past her sad feelings and she said, “Something fun like going to the Waterpark.”

Me: “I guess you’ll have to just be disappointed then. ”

Saturday night, my brother Dave texted me,“Hey Jen, we’ll be at the Waterpark on Monday for our Spring Break. You should join us!” Hahaha. Jokes on me for trying to stay within budget. 

But Mia is happy now. 

My only relaxed day was Friday. As I was driving home in the morning after dropping off the girls at school,  my mind was whirling with all the things I needed to do, mostly cleaning, but I had a thought to invite Tonia Rice for a walk. (They’re back in Calmar but waiting for another job transfer to Chile, so I don’t know how long they’ll be here.) She came, and we had a lovely time that provided me with a seriously child-like moment of smashing ice. So satisfying. 

Byw, the spiritual thought of the day was: “Remember, it’s eternal progression, not instant perfection.” (Heard in Glenwood’s sacrament meeting via Zoom.)  I should embroider that and put it on the wall. Ha. 

I’m back on social media for the time being, but I think I seriously broke the spell. I’m so happy! I don’t actually think about it or default to go on, only if I need to check your posts!  (and then I check for Bowie videos then make a comment or two and I’m off again).

And it’s off to bed for me now. 

Love you so much, my boy. 

Mom