March 13, 2023

From Ben - Hallowed Conversations

Temple:

"A temple is literally a house of the Lord, a holy sanctuary in which sacred ceremonies and ordinances of the gospel are performed by and for the living and also in behalf of the dead. A place where the Lord may come, it is the most holy of any place of worship on the earth. Only the home can compare with the temple in sacredness." (Bible Dictionary)

It's been a great gift to be with the missionaries I am currently with. 

I get to spend most of my time with Elder Wack (sounding like Vock), my German companion, but also get to room with an Elder Ochoa and Elder Britt. 

Unlike the Batcave, a giant labyrinthine household, Oshawa is a small basement suite. 

Because of both proximity and the lack of rooms to escape to if desired (there are two rooms, a kitchen and a bathroom to share amongst the four of us compared to Hamilton's eight rooms) we have been compelled to talk more often with eachother. 

Most conversations I've had in my life I'd price at a few cents, pretty cheap, little value. 

I'll sometimes have $20, $50, even $100 dollar conversations (being taught by master piano teachers for example would be in this category)

But once and a while, and this has been happening far too infrequently in my life, I'll have a conversation worth more than gold. 

A priceless exchange. 

Un-quantifiable. 

The most pure and priceless have been in quiet conversation with one particular, still small Voice; and in the same category have been soul changing conversations with each member of the family, and close friends. 

These exchanges of ideas and words of real quality have held immeasurable value in my life and have always encouraged it in a heaven-bent direction. 

In this basement apartment suite, I feel as if we've had an abundance of these 'pearl of great price' conversations. 

Because of such things there has been a very special constancy of the Spirit that has me thinking that this is one of the first times in my life that it has truly been a constant companion.

What a difference it makes. 

One of the most often repeated and believed lies my natural man whispers to me, is that there is a line when religious stuff becomes a little too cheezy and dramatic. 

There are oft repeated missionary statements that, within the realm of my weaker spirit, become cheap and annoying (this sounds so bad, I know)

Example statements may be...

'Obedience brings blessings, but exact obedience brings miracles' 

'Jesus is the answer' 

'Just pray about it'

In and of themselves there is nothing wrong with these statements. 

In fact, they hold great truths and can enlighten the mind and embolden the soul. 

However, when my mind is more inclined towards lesser things and cheaper ideas, they become annoying and meaningless. 

Here's the absolute craziest thing though, and it blows my mind to no end to see it happening as we've qualified for more of the Spirit, but those "cheezy religious things" which my lesser spirit will mock, have gained a more and more real and tangible value and beauty. 

The words of hymns are impacting me at greater and greater levels. 

The study of scripture more genuine.

The appreciation of tender kindnesses, more often. 

I'm realizing more and more what it actually takes to have the Holy Ghost as a constant companion, and it does take a little more effort, but the consequence is eternity altering and capacity expanding. 

My favourite part is that this doesn't just extend to me as a missionary, but has always been my privilege since my confirmation. 

I just haven't (and in some ways still probably aren't) lived up to the full measure of that gift. 

Each missionary in the apartment has noticed it as well, and we are seeking to make this little home of ours more and more of a hallowed place. 

We organized the walls, are cleaning more consistently, and are on the hunt for more uplifting art. 

I'm having to become less sarcastic and decrease slang usage. 

And the Spirit has been with us. 

Kinda cool, not gonna lie. 

It's a blessing to be here. 

Love you each! 

- Elder Smith

[In no particular order, these pictures account the farewell with Elder Mercado, a few adventures with Elder Wack, and some of our weekly Planning results]