This week was such a busy one but we managed to get everything done that we needed to do which was very surprising. Everyday seems to be getting warmer which is great especially when a good part of the day is spent outside. It can only get better from here. We're even starting to see flowers bloom!
Last Monday we went to Amsterdam to see the Rijks Museum. We were only there for a few hours because we have to come back home for an appointment. Then on Tuesday we had an incredible Zone Conference. We even got to see a few clips of some of the missionaries in our mission on TV in Belgium and the Netherlands (this should be the link to my favorite one - https://www.youtube.com/watch?
One thing that really stuck out to me in the conference was when Sis. Robinson (wife of our mission President) spoke about what we needed to do in our missions and in our lives in order to have true happiness. In paraphrasing what the Prophet Joseph Smith said, she told us that there are 3 things that are necessary for our salvation.
1. We have to know that Heavenly Father actually exists
2. We have to have a correct idea of God which means we have to understand that He is perfect
3. We have to have an actual knowledge that what we are doing is God's will
To understand that God is completely perfect means that He cannot not do anything that is imperfect or create anything that isn't perfect. He is perfectly just. He cannot break the bounds of justice nor violate the law of agency. He cannot be arbitrary at all.
He must and will execute judgment for our works and actions but the atonement of Jesus Christ allowed mercy to be added to the equation. President Robinson told us to break down the atonement in daily steps; in every prayer make a commitment to be better.
God expects us to work and struggle at times. He also expects us to be obedient so that we will become who we need to be. We have to bear the responsibility for our lives and decisions and we cannot blame others or the circumstances we are in.
In terms of having the knowledge that what we are doing is God's will is, for me, a bit more difficult. I've always worried about if I was where I was supposed to be and doing what I am supposed to be doing. And as I've made a conscious effort to understand that I've come to gain a testimony of it.
But it's a question that we have to constantly ask ourselves. For example, I asked myself that question at least 15 times yesterday when I was getting really frustrated that all of our appointments were getting canceled.
Last night, we got our transfer calls. I was so sure that I would be staying at least one more in Lelystad but (and I was really heartbroken) I am leaving. I wasn't done here yet. I've come to care so much about all the people I've met and the friends that I've made.
And as I was sitting at my desk, so depressed and sad that I was leaving because I had so many plans for our next transfer, my companion turns to me and say, "Isn't it cool though? You know that you did what you needed to do here and now you're done and you can move on to the next place where you're needed."
Sis. Doxey is amazing! I don't know if I did anything significant here but I've learned so much from all the experiences, both good and bad; the knocking down of my faith and the rebuilding of it; the power and comfort of the atonement and God's love for His children. I've learned to not be afraid; that things will just seem to get harder sometimes, but also better.
I will miss Leystad, my baby-city! I am sad to go but curious as to what my next adventure will be. I will miss my investigators, my companion, and especially the members of the ward here, to whom I've become so close! Wish me luck in Gent, Belgium! I'll be going down there on Wednesday.
Hope everyone will have a great week! Ik hou van jullie!
No comments:
Post a Comment