January 23, 2023
From Ben - Like Enos
"How about you start, and share your story and perspective, then we'll take a couple of moments or so to share our own story with Jesus"
It was in this moment we realized it had been a set-up.
My heart beat increased, I looked at Elder Binns and we quickly both knew we had to find a way out...
I had the privilege of going on an exchange with my friend, Elder Binns. We spent three months together in the Ice Castle and are now serving around each other in the Hamilton Zone.
During this exchange we had a lesson with this older gentleman and his wife.
It started cordially enough, but by and by, we realized something just wasn't sitting right.
The cookies tasted too good.
The water, too clean and refreshing.
The couch we sat on, too plush and inviting.
Their kindness, too genuine and pure.
In a moment of realization, we realized they were Christians. Devout Christians. Out to save our souls.
I kid :)
This older couple was beautiful and they had made great efforts to make their home a holy place. They were focused on their family and made conscious efforts to strengthen their community.
They were firm in their faith and found hope in their knowledge of Jesus Christ.
In accordance to such a life, when two Latter Day Saint missionaries appear on your doorstep, if you have any conviction at all to your beliefs, you will seek to help them know the truths you've discovered, and hopefully help them abandon false doctrines and embrace a fullness of truth.
It's the same premise we base the entire reality of missionary work on, and if we have conviction to the truths we espouse to live, we will share and encourage and invite others towards the higher laws of joy.
That takes courage.
It takes a clear understanding of the actual gifts and truths we hold as members of the Church of Jesus Christ.
The lesson didn't go too far.
It always does and did come to the question of the Book of Mormon.
They weren't willing to try reading it, but relied on second hand sources of the web to base their perspectives.
Don't do that
For any seeking to know of our church, or, when we seek to understand other cultures and religions, go to the source.
You want to learn about Islam? Read the Quaran.
Hinduism? Read the Bhagavad Gita.
You want a deeper knowledge of Jesus Christ? You need the Book of Mormon and you need to read it by the Spirit.
We need to be more intelligent then we have been when we want to establish clear understanding with others and when we want it based on love-unfeigned.
I loved serving with this Elder. I learned some valuable lessons.
On another exchange, an Elder simply expressed, and I paraphrase.
"You know, Elder Smith, life just doesn't hold much colour.
I don't really know what to do, and I'm unsure of my purpose.
I know it in my head, but I'm not sure of it in my heart"
We hashed it out together, and came to the conclusion that this Elder needed a wrestle with the Lord, a prayer like Enos.
From the conversation, I realized I needed to do the same
(It's so easy to preach good advice, so much more challenging to live it)
Beyond these key conversations and experiences, transfers came around.
Eight out of ten companionships are changing up.
Only Elder Mercado and I, and another companionship are staying.
There's work to be do, but that's good.
Love you each!!
- Elder Smith
1) Us re-enacting a David and Goliath picture
2) On campus adventures
3) My dear Elder Laurie. My district leader
4) But a map in the Chiro office.
5) Elders congregating in the kitchen
6) On campus Como study
7) Chiro pup
8) Gotta look good to play good
Dear Ben,
We’ve been getting an unprecedented amount of fog lately … and it sticks around for days! The result is a hoarfrost fairy wonderland that seriously takes my breath away! I went for a little trudge outside on the most beautiful shiny sparkly day and tried to capture it in pictures but I just couldn’t. The fresh, clean winter air, the absolute silence except for the random chickadee pips, the way the sun shines through the branches and makes everything look like diamonds, my toes nice and tingley warm inside my battery operated socks (new favourite thing).
I. Just. Can’t.
But here’s my attempted capture anyway …
They’re only about 25% the value of real life experience, in my opinion. Even a search on Google images doesn’t capture the feeling of being out in the hoar frost for real.
I also went down to see Grandma Smith this week. We had a really nice visit on Wednesday evening and she came to the temple with me on Thursday. My mom and dad were also there along with Dave and Jen. I can’t explain to you the feeling of unexpectedly seeing my brother walk in and sit down next to us with a smile and a pat on the shoulder. There is power in the temple that is difficult to quantify. I leave there always feeling more … solid and real. And to share it with people I love? Just amazing. My friend, Siobhan, knew I was going to the temple and she showed up too, even though she was flying out of Calgary the same evening. A long hug and a delighted laugh between us filled my soul.
You know … a person just can’t Google that.
Now for tomorrow, you might get a laugh at hearing I’m training a student who has ambition to be a receptionist. It’s true. She’s finishing a two-year course in only 10-months ending with a practicum at Leduc Wellness Centre. And I’m her supervisor. The irony is not lost on me.
You can’t Google that either.
Pray for the girls in their finals. And include Grandma as she continues to find a new normal. You’re getting very good at praying, I know … and understanding how Prayer works and how heaven accommodates the miracles that are needed. And guess what? Can’t Google that in any way, shape or form.
Life is spectacular, isn’t it?
Love you forever,
Mom
Some other pics this week …
Abby and Garrett making cookies …
Abby’s grad dress borrowed from Rachel Bectell
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