There are two things that I would love to share this week both actually were from Sunday.
(Since I just added the title about weather, I will also add that it goes from 0 degrees to 15 and snowing to 45 and clear, to 35 and windy, to 40 and overcast/rainy on a practically daily basis. It's exciting. Or at least all of those happen in 1 week. Maybe even being sub-zero a little. I also can't believe we are starting week 5 here. Crazy!)
The first was from Sacrament Mtg (Church). It was my first fast and testimony Sunday out in the field and I had the opportunity to go to the stand and share with the congregation my testimony of what I know to be true. One thing I shared was Doctrine and Covenants 6: 22-23. It seems to have been a time when Oliver Cowdery was doubting the divine manifestation given to him through God of what Joseph Smith was translating. God said to him:
"Verily, verily I say unto you if you desire a further witness, cast your mind upon the night that you cried unto me in your heart, that you might know concerning the truth of these things.
Did I not speak peace to your mind concerning the matter? What greater witness can you have than from God?"
I first read that scripture just this last week and find it exceedingly true. The only way we can TRULY know something is to ask of God. That is what the ancient Israelites had to do, what the early Church at the time of Jesus and after immediately after Jesus had to do, and what we have to do still today. Amazingly, God is ready and willing to respond to us (see James 1:5). He can and does reveal things to us to be true. I have personally experienced the miracles that have come from consulting with God, seeking His help, and asking Him questions. I know that I have received the type of aforementioned witness as well. However, I can relate to this scripture because sometimes I find myself doubting what I know to be true from spiritual experience. Thankfully I have written down many impressions that I have received from the Holy Ghost of what is true. I can review those and remember the feelings I had and the assurance and "peace to my mind" that I experienced at that time.
The second was later on Sunday night. Since I am serving in a the Young Single Adults ward in Laramie, I had the opportunity to go to the CES Fireside. It was a ~35 min talk by the Relief Society President in the church, Linda K. Burton. It was an amazing talk on the Spirit of God, but I mainly listened with the intent of improving my relationship with my companion - who would have thought that it is challenging to be with someone you never met before for 24/7? Haha. However, I had one other amazing takeaway. She said something to the effect of: 'everyone is in your life for a purpose and oftentimes it is only a brief moment; we need to be grateful for all the time we have with them.'
For me, that means my companion, the ward I am serving in, and the other missionaries in my zone. She helped me change the perspective from "have to" spend time in Laramie with all these people to "get to." I really might only be spending this 6 week period with them (today actually marks 1 month since I've been out of the training center, so there is only 2 weeks left of this first transfer period). I need to make sure that every chance I get, I get to know the people here and soak up everything I can. I really might only see some people once or a handful of times here. I may only have one chance to make an impression in someone's life that will be changed forever. I've been super blessed to be living with the Zone Leaders. I think I have said that before, but I am seriously so glad because they are really great missionaries that I can talk to that understand what I'm going through and offer great advice. I might only get to serve with them a tiny bit. I have kept that perspective for the last couple days and it has dramatically helped my life!
For others, it could be really appreciating the time they have with their spouse, children, parents, serving in their church calling, etc. We truly are here for a brief moment in time. Throughout my life I have spoken to many a grandparent who feels like they had just recently had children or recently had their children move out of their house. It is truly a great blessing I have been given to be out here on a mission. Super grateful for my parents and the sacrifices of many others that have made that possible. I'm glad to have this abbreviated life schedule I have little control over to help me recognize the blessings in my life, especially when it is hard!
I hope you all are doing well!
Sincerely,
Elder Jeffrey Campbell
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