Dear Elder Smith,
I’m laying in bed this morning, already feeling tired in anticipation for the upcoming week. There are so many things happening and so many things to do yet, it makes my head spin. I decided to relax a bit longer and write you the last email. (Can you believe it?) First ... some perspective.
I needed this little quote when I read it yesterday. If we focus on the essential, then everything else is just gravy.
It is essential to connect with the Lord everyday in a meaningful way. If I can do that, the rest of the day goes smoothly, I handle busy-ness better, and I see the joys in the midst of it all. The weird thing is ... when life starts to feel busy, the first thing to go is scripture study. Why is that? So, once I’m done writing this, I’ll open up my scriptures. Essential. I hope you are doing yours, too.
Relationships are essential. I’m praying that you will fully recognize all of the eternal connections you’ve made on your mission and have the chance to say good-bye to all of them. Luckily, social media makes it easy to keep in touch post-mission. Your family relationships are essential. When you get off the plane, it will be just us. Just your family. We’ve told everyone we only get six hours with you and Sam and we want to keep in in the family. After that, though, and with the Christmas season, you will see all of your loved ones. You’ll be busy. Grandma and Grandpa Smith are staying here for Christmas so you will also get quality time with them!
So, no stress! Think of what is essential for you, then do those things. The rest is gravy.
Dad and I are so proud of you, Josh. You did it!! You held your course to the end! You are a finisher! The personal foundation you built on your mission will springboard you for the rest of your life. Keep in mind, it’s okay to freak out a little bit as you transition from missionary to normal life. Christian Graham got home a week and a half ago and you two should make time to chat and commiserate.
*******
This week was full of performances and company and doing last minute stuff for Sam’s mission. He’s pretty much all packed and ready to go. We just went through his personal pharmacy while in Africa. It’s a lot of medicine “just in case.” It brings a whole new meaning to the word Prepare. (Sorry, don’t have a picture.)
But we do have a few of the play ...
Ben did fantastic in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. I hope the DVD comes out soon so you can watch it. He had a solo that he nailed!
I’ve been helping Wendy Francis every Thursday for awhile and Sam came with me the last two times. He’s super good at assembling furniture and set up four bookshelves for her.
This picture made me laugh because as he was unbolting this shelf to move it, he found a ukulele and started playing it. Lol! I told Wendy that you would be coming with me next time. We’ll provide service to her and she’ll cut your hair. Haha. So, you see, I’m already booking you with appointments. 😉FYI, we’re also planning to meet Ebony in Edmonton to shop for some street clothes for you.
Mia keeps us on the straight and narrow for FHE. This week we only had time to do this week was spotlight and a game. She picked Apples to Apples.
Be prepared to play games with Mia. It’s her favourite thing.
So, you see, life goes on. There is a lot waiting for you and coming home at Christmas is about the best thing ever. You are still in every prayer and in our thoughts always. We love you.
Good luck with the flight home and all the connections. We’ll be waiting for you on the other side.
Love forever,
Mom
From Dad:
I'll add my two cents really quick here + some pictures.
Ditto to what Mom says about being so proud of your service to the Lord for 2 years. It will be a foundation for years to come.
I hope you can find someone like her some day (soon? :) ). We don't have a perfect marriage, but we are committed to each other and we are perfecting it in small and simple ways all the time.
This process of small and simple improvement really struck me this time when I read Alma 37. It is now my new favorite B of M chapter. I especially like the idea of the scriptures enlarging our memories of the Lord's dealings with our forefathers so that we can add that to our memories and become confident in the Lord's promises for us and our families and to turn us to the Savoir. Also, the analogy of the Liahona is so powerful and struck me in new ways this time.
We are steadily preparing the downstairs bathroom and probably won't have it done completely in time for your return (that was the goal), but as Mom has mentioned, our goal is progress every day, no matter how small.
Love you lots. Savor every last moment.
Dad.
Pics:
Cody got a haircut after Grandpa Bruce told him he'd give him $50 to do it!
Sam at the Institute choir
Ben's write up for the play
Ben and De Vries boys (who were also in the play)
Bathroom progress.
From Josh - He Lives:
I feel like I have not learned a lot on my mission, but what I have learned I value over all things.
I have learned that in all things God is there, He loves me and is reaching out to bless me and everyone. I have learned that if I trust in Him I can resist all evil, know what to say, be unafraid. If I trust in Him I never have to doubt where to go, what to do and how to do things.
When we trust in God it does not eliminate trials, turn away trouble, people will still be jerks and those you love may not always be protected and kept safe in ways that we think. But when we put our trust in God we can fall into His holy arms, rely on the mercy that he freely gives to those who want it. even in the darkness, we have a place to turn to... Jesus Christ once said "I am the light that shineth in the darkness and the darkness comprehended it not" I know that in all things he emulates the Father, I know that Jesus Christ was sent into the world to save us from ourselves. I know that he has lifted me out of darkness many times, I am grateful for his love, that even when I mess up and make mistakes he still is reaching out to pick me up.
I have gained a testimony of this work, and I know that this Church is God's true church on the earth, Joseph Smith was a prophet, he did translate the Book of Mormon by the gift and power of God, I know that there is a true prophet on the earth today, and as we live by the words that he gives we will always be in the right way.
I believe in the power of personal revelation and know that if we ask in faith then God will always give us answers. No power of influence in this world can compare to the power of a direct answer from God through the Holy Ghost.
I guess over all I wanted to add my witness to that of the prophets and apostles when they said.
"Now after the many testimonies that have been said this is the testimony last of all...That he lives!"
And I truly, truly know that of myself, Jesus Christ does live, is he our savior, and redeemer, our advocate with the father, we was born for us and he died for us, and he lives for us still.
In a recent Christmas concert that the Valencia stake had it was titled Christ the babe was born for you. It was a super amazing and throughout it I felt so much of the truthfulness of it, before the director, Richard Rich said a prayer for the Angels to sing with them and I wish I could get a copy of all that they sang because it was something I never want to forget.
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