November 14, 2022
From Ben - Unseen Duels
We had a follow up MLC on this upcoming Tuesday, to discuss the goals and plans we had come up with two weeks ago at the last meeting.
The early morning drive ensued and the adventure began.
President Stacey gave his characteristic instruction with the Spirit, and challenged us to be more committed to our higher principles that we currently were.
Him and Sister Stacey also discussed the principles of Principled leadership, and the methods and steps of "teaching true principles, but letting people govern themselves"
I'm not going to lie though, a fight of unexpected proportions was going off in my mind.
Maybe it is to be blamed on the lack of a scripture study, maybe on the exhaustion of an early early morning, but whatever the cause, the thoughts of competition and tainted comparison were on full bore.
I almost learned more from meeting from the intense swordplay in my brain then the teaching and instruction.
Logically, I could recognize myself measuring my own skills, leadership and efforts with the other missionaries around me, whether real or imagined.
The Natural Man of my mind had picked a rapier of incredible craftsmanship, and was skilled in its use.
The Saint, for lots of the meeting, was playing an intense defensive game, taking a couple swipes and cuts throughout.
At one point, the Saint did give the Natural Man the ground, and retreated for some moments.
But, nearing in the second half of the second portion, the Saint sent a prayer for some help, and realized that it was very possible that the same fight was happening within the minds of the missionaries around Him.
The Saint realized that he'd been dueling with his left hand.
And he wasn't left handed.
So, he swapped to his right, and realized with what ease he could subdue the Natural Man.
All of the council and instruction he'd recieved from the still small voice of the Master was remembered, and the duel was quickly finished.
Rejoicing in the successes of my friends and fellow missionaries became easier, and even brought amazing gratification.
After MLC, throughout the week, there were still many duals between this Natural Man and this Saint,
with victories on both sides.
But such is the adventure.
On Sunday we had the primary presentation, and I got the lucky privilege of playing the piano for it.
I didn't know playing for a primary presentation was on my bucket list until this past Sunday.
In fact, Primary Pianist might be my dream calling now, no lie.
The kids were as raucous as ever.
With seat bouncing, conflicts, teasings, sub-par vocals, forgotten lines, and stressed out primary teachers.
But it was so great. Watching children do their thing might match the power of an Apostolic sermon.
Something about them just wipes away all pretense and pride.
Being around children allows it to be easier to "be like unto a child"
Now, it might be different if you're a parent, but I don't know
Well, love you each.
Have a stellar week, eh?
-Elder Smith
1) Comp picture on an epic rock as it continues to get colder outside
2) Sometimes we have a Sudbury Zone FHE night.
We lost the game of Pictionary
3) Some legend of a member had the full set of the Joseph Smith papers, and gifted it to us
We did the math and it comes to around 1000$ Canadian
4) MLC screenshot. I often get the great blessing of playing prelude music.
5) This is one or the afamed Mandarin missionaries. They are an elite bunch in the CTM
6) I love these conversations
7) Elder Surdu, the champion of photogenicism
8) Some church notes regarding who came, who didn't, Some members to visit (on the fingers) and some reminders to reach out to the Frosts and Hoppers.
9) We accidentally shattered a bowl on our study desks.
It was inconvenient
10) The inside story is implied I think.
An Elder I went on an exchange with made this
11) The great Theseus
Dear Ben,
This week my mind has been much on remembering. Part of that comes from preparing for a Family History lesson in Sunday focused on the importance and value of journals and personal histories. Of course it has caused me to reflect on and remember this year as we celebrated my Dad's passing on to the next stage of life. I've again been browsing through his journal and remembering what a powerful impact he made and still makes in my life.
The other fun aspect about remembering this week has been remembering how much I enjoy having extended family in our home and the joy of making memories to be remembered later. On Friday, Liz, Jeff, Coulson, Tyler and Grandma Smith came up to visit. Of course Sam, Josh and Damon came over followed by Rachel, Lindy and Sam. It was so wonderful to have 14 people gathered for dinner.
When talking with Auntie Liz when they were planning to come up, I joked that we'd been snowed in and hadn't had a chance to go to the store all week and if they wanted to bring a roast and potatoes that would be great. I think this translated into a message of "The Smith's are starving" because Grandma and the Bectells brought us milk, eggs, pizza toppings, buns and more when they came. It was certainly appreciated.
Saturday we all slept in a little as I had to pick Mom up at the airport at midnight, so after a good hearty breakfast we all headed out to see the college kids apartments and then on to Babylon, oops, I mean West Edmonton Mall for an afternoon of shoppers buzz.... er I mean shopping and 'hanging' out, we closed out the day at the Old Spaghetti Factory thanks for Grandma Smith and then over to the theatre to catch the latest Black Panther movie "Waqanda Forever". Another late night, but lots of fun with cousins and family.
I was grateful for the family attending church with us as they attended my journal and personal history class. Not nearly so many people came this time probably because it was Priesthood/RS/YW Sunday. Had a good discussion about the importance of writing down our lives for the benefit of our family. Even letters like this make a difference in remembering how merciful the Lord is to us and it allows us to see that he can be in our lives too when we see it recorded. I felt the spirit when my Mom shared her testimony of journals and how they have helped her in her life. I felt it again later that night as we did a round of gratitudes. I'm grateful to your Mom who initiates these types of discussions that connect us to what is most important. We have an amazing heritage of faith, long suffering and enduring to the end. Keep carrying on that legacy.
A few pics from Mom's trip:
The girls were off all this week and so there was lots of "Next Step" watching. I even got pulled in a few times, at least until the drama became too much for me to handle :). Mom loved being in St George despite still recovering from Anemia and having low energy. Attached a video of Abby at night when she was getting silly :)
Sunday dinner was supreme and we "Thanksgiving" ourselves on mashed potatoes and homegrown Bectell beef. Abby and Coulson are making a tradition out of Texas Sheet Cake. Josh dug out an old costume and got Coco all riled up!
Have a great week, Ben. Love you lots.
Dad.
From Ben:
Thanks again for these emails, Dad (and mom)
Seriously, they are gifts worth more then any amount of gold.
Sam and Josh were right about that.
Love you!
Elder Smith
Comments
Post a Comment