At the beginning of my mission in the Netherlands, I became very frustrated that it wasn't anything like I had expected. I had studied the country before leaving and knew that there were windmills, tulips and wooden shoes, but I didn't feel the comfy, cozy atmosphere that I had imagined would be in this beautiful country. As a result, I found myself hoping that something would happen and I would have to go home (silly, I know). I really did want to be there, but I was just struggling to find anything positive. After a couple of weeks, I met with my mission president, President Brewster, and we talked about this "problem." I finally decided that I really needed to start focusing on the positives and felt that if I did, the Lord would bless and help me and I would end up loving my mission.
To help me in focuing on the positive, I started to keep a "positive" journal of sorts. In this journal, everyday I would write down 3 things I loved about the missionary work and 3 things I loved about the country. Sometimes those things were simple, such as seeing a little kitty in a window, or not getting a door slammed in our face while tracting. Other times it was a little bit bigger; like getting in the door to teach a first discussion and seeing the picture perfect setting with an overturned canoe next to a canal with a windmill in the background.
It didn't take long to realize just how blessed I was. I will be forever grateful for that "inspiration" to write those things down. At the end of my 18 months, I found myself not wanting to come home. Even worse...I had to start writing the 3-a-day to help me adjust back to being home.
The point is this...whenever I find myself struggling with something, I start to make my 3-a-day list. It puts things in perspective and I am able to find joy in life.
To help me in focuing on the positive, I started to keep a "positive" journal of sorts. In this journal, everyday I would write down 3 things I loved about the missionary work and 3 things I loved about the country. Sometimes those things were simple, such as seeing a little kitty in a window, or not getting a door slammed in our face while tracting. Other times it was a little bit bigger; like getting in the door to teach a first discussion and seeing the picture perfect setting with an overturned canoe next to a canal with a windmill in the background.
It didn't take long to realize just how blessed I was. I will be forever grateful for that "inspiration" to write those things down. At the end of my 18 months, I found myself not wanting to come home. Even worse...I had to start writing the 3-a-day to help me adjust back to being home.
The point is this...whenever I find myself struggling with something, I start to make my 3-a-day list. It puts things in perspective and I am able to find joy in life.
2 comments:
This post brings back so many good and bad memories!! Sometimes I wonder how we ever did it. But I'm so glad I did.
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