December 13, 2022

From Ben - Not too shabby

"Weren't you even listening?!"

Quickly the, Spirit left, and an awkward silence hung in the air. 

"That came out not the way I intended it. 
I'm so sorry. 
Now the Spirit has left, and it's all my fault" 

As apologies were given, and forgiveness granted, the Spirit which had left, came back.

The Spirit came back
 
This whole event happened at MLC between President Stacey and one of the Zone Leaders. We had been discussing a particular subject for two hours and were having a hard time coming to an agreement. 
Our time was about up, and we all wanted to finish the meeting, and with five minutes left for MLC, one of the Elders suggested an idea that was somewhat contrary to the entire discussion. 

This event then took place and occurred over the space of maybe seven minutes. 

In those seven minutes, every member of the missionary leadership council witnessed a full cycle of repentance, and the effects of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. 
A mistake occurs. 
The Spirit leaves.
Through repentance and reconciliation, forgiveness is found. 
Through the healing power of Jesus Christ, spirits are healed and the Holy Ghost is able to return. 

Without the sacrifice and redeeming power of Jesus Christ, the Spirit would not have been able to return. 
We would have been incapable of bringing it back into the room, because there would have been no way for us to be reconciled to God. 

The Spirit came back. 

Anyways, it was an awesome, tangible example of these principles that we teach so often, and can sometimes be abstract. 

After MLC I had the honor to go an exchange with Elder Reil, one of the Assistants. 

Elder Reil is 6'2", has bright, happy eyes, is somewhat thin, has a hilarious laugh and has been blessed with the spiritual gift of intelligence. 

As soon as our exchange began, I felt my own standard of intelligence grow. 
He led me through his thoughts about the Gospel, the Plan of Salvation, the scriptures, our Savior, the nature of God working in this world, and opened new thought patterns and ideas that I'd never considered. 

Both of these Assintants have incredible capacity, amazing courage, and strong personalities. 
It was a cool learning experience to serve with someone who has sought revelation to be of service to you specifically, especially with an individual who was very concious about knowledge and growing in understanding. 
It was a blessing to have served with Elder Reil. 

Transfer calls made their happy way to our phones last night. 
I'm embarking on another adventure to Niagra YSA, and leaving the Castle and Kingdom of the North. 

It's so easy at the end of a transfer to look back, and see all of your plentiful mistakes. 
The lens of hindsight tends to highlight errors and weaknesses far more then triumphs and successes. 

I see mistakes in leadership, discipleship, words, thoughts and deeds. 
No lie, it's pretty easy to believe those sneaky suggestions offered by this lens. 
That we have failed or that we can't succeed moving forward. 
It's easy to believe for me personally, as my natural man wants to flee responsibility. 
If I believe I've failed before and that I can't succeed moving forward, that means that I don't have to try. 
(Dang Satan, you sneaky snake) 

Woops, catch me clicking send instead of that cool paper clip thing at the top of the screen. 

Either way, to close the thought. 
It definitely takes more courage to believe I can succeed and have great triumph in the future. 
But, that's the nature of this beautiful reality our Father in Heaven has crafted. 
We will succeed by the power of our Redeemer. 
Not a bad deal if you ask me 

So, onward we press. 
I will miss these missionaries and miss these people.
These missionaries in this Zone hold the capacity to change nations. 
I seriously believe that. 
They are intelligent, courageous and strong. 
They are riddled with weaknesses but aren't giving up.

Whenever I take the time to think about it, I stand all amazed at the chance to be around such exceptional spirits. 
To see them strive to know Christ. 

Golly gee. LIFE IS NOT TOO SHABBY. 

Love you each!!

- Elder Smith

1) Tried recording every active member name that came to church. 


2) Elder Surdu, the model


3) MLC snuck shots



4) Elder Surdu got this picture at a library. No idea why. 
But it's kind of a gnarly picture. 


5) Again, no idea where this comes from, but Elder Surdu photoshopped this totally random picture of me. 
I love it


6) Pic with President!! Amen. 



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