Letter #61 06/02/14

Hello all!

Hope you've had a great week. This week has been a little slow for me, especially compared to the previous week. We were still able to meet with Minda this week and she is progressing beautifully. We invited her to be baptized after teaching her about the Plan of Salvation and she said she had already had a desire to (she is just waiting on some logistics with her husband)! It's amazing to teach these people that are so prepared. What a difference! Unfortunately Billie's schedule kept conflicting and we weren't able to meet with her this last week, but are tonight. She is joining us with her daughter at another family's house for Family Home Evening. She had been out of town for part of last week and she asked us to check on her cats (she lives just the street behind us) and on our last day of doing that we "heart attacked" her home with little paper hearts and messages and some pictures of Christ. She said she really enjoyed it :) We can tell that the adversary is definitely working on her right now, so we are just being extra prayerful that she will stay strong and not deny the witnesses and answers she's already received. 

Sister Worden and I received a call this week to come to another council with Elder Godoy (of the 70) this past Saturday to discuss the topic of Obedience. I was able to be a part of that council back in February and really enjoyed him so I was glad to hear from him again. He has a way of teaching us important principles with a nice touch of humor and in his Brazilian accent. Obedience is something that we can ALL always try to improve on, as we are not perfect, but especially on a mission, it can be a harder concept to grasp. I constantly think to myself about how this is not my time, but the Lord's time and that is what motivates me, as well as I just have a natural tendency to want to be obedient. The council was great as he helped us to break up the principle between "why" and "how to". When we understand "why", we're understanding the "vision" or the big picture. Examples are like Moses and Joseph Smith who both received visions of what their purpose was for and then shown what it would take to achieve that. When we lose focus of the big picture and get stuck in the steps, it can be draining and discouraging, but when we are refreshed of what it's all for, their is a fire rekindled and motivation again. It doesn't necessarily matter the detailed reasons of why we are asked to do or not do certain things, but as long as we understand the vision/big picture, that can be our reason. I have also found that we don't always understand why people act the way they do, but there is usually a reason behind it that is not apparent. Communicating and listening play a big role in helping. When we understand where they are coming from, it is easier to help them as well help them feel like someone actually cares and is willing to at least listen. When we love others and listen with patience, they are more likely to respond in a positive way. Wow, am I being prepared for parenthood or what?! Haha. 

Something I have really gained a testimony of this past week is of the importance and value of time. Our time in everything is really so short. Time for school, employment, a mission, raising children, and life! That is why it is so important the choices we choose today. Putting it off can restrict those blessings that are there for us in the future. Again, being able to see that big picture helps us to choose how we will be today and what choices we make, whom we serve. As I draw nearer to the end of this mission, I am being hit with the realization of the preciousness of time. I cannot believe how quickly it can go! However, I choose today to make every moment. Again, this is not my time and I want to do all I can to take advantage of this blessed opportunity that I have. It can be hard to see that big picture/eternal perspective in our mortal minds, but knowing that there are great things ahead if we choose the right, then it makes those decisions not so tough. 

I love you all and am grateful that we have ALL been blessed with the gift and ability to choose and to grow. Hope you all have a fabulous week!

Love,

Sister Wightman