Week 64: The Shopping Parable

Hey everyone! Another week has come and gone already! It never ceases to amaze me how quickly time passes on the mission. The fact that I'll be going home this November honestly kind of scares me, so I try not to think about it hah! Somehow it's already almost February and I bought milk that expires on my birthday today, so that's a little strange...

This week had honestly mostly just consisted of tracting, stopping by members unannounced, and sharing messages with said members! If you live in Gilbert or somewhere else that is densely member populated and have wondered what the work is like there, this is it! Honestly it's really fun being able to get to know as many people as I can and connect with them. I think the lesson the Lord wants me to learn from this area is how to remember people's names ahah. I've struggled with that aspect of missionary work (and just in general), but I can definitely see how this could help me get better! The work is certainly slow and somewhat discouraging at times because of that, but the quality of members out here really makes up for it :) 

We did talk to a few people this last week who have expressed interest in meeting and learning more, so we have high hopes for them!

I have now found myself with 10 (now 9) minutes to finish this email, so I have to wrap up quick. 

Quick thought (pardon any typos)

We went shopping this morning and when I went to pay and my missionary funds card declined. Turned out I was a few dollars short and so it refused the whole payment. As I was figuring out how much I had left and what I would have to use personal funds for, a member who was behind us in line walked up and paid for it all (despite my best efforts). Obviously I thanked her profusely and then we left. I was feeling kinda crappy about it for a bit because I felt guilty that I was just a few dollars short and she had insisted on paying it all. I was pondering on it and finally realized just how Christlike that really was. 

Because of our sins and imperfections in this life, we have a debt that needs to be paid. Despite our best efforts, we cannot pay the cost of that debt on our own. Much like this woman who helped me, Christ doesn't come to us and ask "ok, so how much do you have? alright I'll spot you X amount so you can pay it". No! He pays it in full. Willingly, lovingly, and without expectation of repayment. All He asks is for us to be obedient. This woman was not helping me because she expected repayment, but she understands the importance of the work that we do. I am "repaying her" by doing God's work and fulfilling His will, and I am "repaying" God by doing the same.

I hope that I was able to at least somewhat convey my thoughts there. It isn't perfectly explained, but I think it'll do haha

I gotta go, but I love you all! Have a wonderful week and I'll catch you all in February! 

Love,

Elder DeWitt