August 9, 2022

From Ben - Our Great Symphonic Composition

Can you picture how invincible you'd be come if you could be grateful in any circumstance? 
Either way, not a walk in the park to get there, but it's what I'm striving for. 

From this train of thought, I have decided that I am grateful for gloomy mornings. The one's where we realize we slept on the wrong side of the bed for 12 hours, and have a crick in our back, necks, and randomly enough, our wrists. 
When I wake up with these mornings, my thoughts take a more melancholy tone, and I think more serious, and important thoughts.

On the morning of Monday (yesterday), I woke up a little melancholy, and just had some solid ponder time. 
Pondered on the Why of it all, pondered on some of my weaknesses (but those thoughts only get you so far, so I decided to ponder other things) pondered on the adventure of Newmarket, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the missionary life, and after all this pondering, prayed. 
Golly, it was solace for the soul. To have a more direct and real conversation with God. 

So, I'm grateful for slower mornings 
(I also love more energetic mornings, but we aim to be grateful for both) 

Last Wednesday was MLC again. Holy moly. Leadership. 
Elder Blum and I have always had the privilege of having one foot on the bleachers. We aren't Zone Leaders, or Sister Training Learders (tragic we know), so, beyond anything that didn't involve or include Social Media, we have been able to enjoy the instructions, the Spirit, and generally avoid responsibility... 
All the while feeling wise, important and in the know. 

Such was case this MLC. 

The prime take away was the absolute necessity of our conversion to Jesus Christ being our choice. 
No-one holds the power to increase my faith, and no-one holds the ability to take away my faith.
It's my call. 
Whether I stand in Holy places, if I work to build understanding and seek for experiences that deepen genuine conversion.
My great symphonic composition. 
My choice to listen to the great composer, the great artist. To use the best tools and instruments available. To rejoice in the progression and masterpieces of those around me. 
To encourage those who feel frustrated and lonely, that feel the effort isn't worth the reward. 
To encourage them to become familiar with The Great Composer. 

Anyways, it was worthwhile, and I'm grateful for the chance I have had to attend MLC. 

We've officially passed on the torch for the Social Media of the Canada Toronto Mission. 
There is a Sister missionary who has one of the most unique spiritual gifts I've ever seen. 
The gift of vision. 
She sees so far in advance and feels joy and excitement in the achieving incredible goals. 

So, we asked if she could take the ropes. 

Elder Blum and I had a good run with it. Learned some GREAT lessons and are beggining the next phase of our journey.
Elder Blum is going to 'The Mansion' to be the Zone Leader in Brampton, which is where the Assistants live, and I'm going to be a Zone Leader in the great white north, in 'The Ice Castle' in Sudbury. 
This means there is a good chance that I'll get to go visit Timmins again, and see my Mémere, which brings me a lot of joy. 

Of the lessons learned from Elder Blum, some key ones would include. 
- The absolute power of listening with love
- The role a good sense of humor can play in developing genuine friendships. 
- The difference a simple heartfelt testimony can make. 
- How to win one on one basketball against 6'0" tall ballers. 
- How to effectively take lunch naps
- How to connect with youth. 
- How to play Magic the Gathering 

And many more. I'm gonna miss this Elder. He's pretty solid, and he's gonna change a lot of lives. 

I'll miss Newmarket, I'll miss Henri, and Adhi, and the youth. 
I'll miss the old, grumpy, yet pure in heart Jim Carleton, who exemplified incredible Christlike service. 
I'll miss Kyle, our friend on date for baptism. I'm sad I won't see his progression as closely. 

However, I'm grateful for the time I've had here, the lessons learned. The lessons I've learned I need to learn. 
I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve. To learn to love to serve. 
For the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the reality (not just theology) of a Divine Redeemer. 
I've only got incredible mountains I need to understand still, but of the small ember I've grown, I cherish it more than anything. 

Onward, eh? Onward to brighter futures and greater things.

Love you each! 

- Elder Smith

1) The great and last Social Media scourge (see the amount we are dropping )


2) The Sachedina family. Woah. Heroes. 


3) YSA activity where we got to roast marshmallows over candles. 


4) Henri Marcelo, our great Filipino friend. His Spiritual sensitivity is incredible.
 

5) Elder Blum and I's 1v1 in a game of twister in suitpants. 


6) Elder Bisschop, the great and friendly giant, giving his last words of advice to me.


7) Elder Blum's honorary farewell work of art for me. The middle picture is me taking a covid test to any who where curious. 


8) The last content creation meeting. These missionaries are geniuses


9) The great Elder Kirby. One of the greatest leaders I've served with. 



10-11) Missionary memes that brought a smile to my face. 



12) My attempted vision board background for my phone. 


14) MLC!  You'll have to recall your Where's Waldo Skills to find me. I neglected to position myself in a place more suited for my height. 

15) A better MLC picture. 
I've moved to a better location in this one 


From Mom - True Friend

Dear Ben,

We heard the news!!! Congratulations! (Which isn’t really an appropriate word when you get a leadership calling but I don’t know what else to use). You’ll be humbly amazing and a spirit-led leader. 

We’re on our way to hike up a mountain (Lineham Peak in Waterton) with me, Dad, Abby, Mia, Rufus, Coulson and Tyler Bectell. I’m hoping we get reception at the summit so we can call you. Me, Siobhan and Jamelyn have been hiking a mountain a year together for over a decade. I suppose out of all the definitions of friendship, that might be a good one. Longevity.

My Jesus Study is still going well. It turns out when you spend dedicated time with the Saviour every morning, he becomes a friend. Just like anyone else, I guess, when we spend time with them. I love him. He really does walk with us when we turn to him. The hymn “I Need Thee Every Hour” has never been more meaningful to me than the past few months. 

We’re about to start. 
I love you a million and more. 

Mom


Bowie was really sad to say goodbye to Grandpa. He is her special friend now. 





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