A Thought or Two On Church Callings

During my mission (for those who don't know, I served a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where I shared our beliefs about the gospel of Jesus Christ), I always wondered how I would be able maintain the Spirit when I got home. I always figured it was possible; otherwise it would have to contradict the whole plan of salvation, and God would then “cease to be God” (and He never will, so don’t worry); I just imagined it being really hard.

When you are on this side of the mission and take a step back, away from the grand picture, you see more clearly (or at least I do) how the mission (in all simplicity) was a calling that required magnifying. Please don’t misunderstand or misinterpret that previous sentence. I do not mean or intend to undervalue the mission. I do feel that the mission is a unique calling; and it was the best experience I had had up to that point. I gained more from those two years than I might have during this lifetime if I hadn’t gone. I love my mission experience. In fact, not a day goes by (and I’ve been back for a year-and-a-half now) that I don’t wish I were back in Germany sharing the gospel with those people, with whom I fell in love. I feel sorry for those who come back from their mission with a bad taste in their mouth. They missed the whole purpose and point. I wasn’t perfect, but I was the best I could be at that time.

So please don’t misunderstand what I’m trying to say. I only mean that the mission was a calling in the Church and we were to magnify our calling. Then we are released and it’s time to move on and magnify our callings that are given to us thereafter (and it does help to apply what you learned from the mission – in fact, I don’t see how one can magnify a calling after the mission without applying the knowledge and wisdom gained from that experience). Yes, it is one of the few callings that is actually a 24/7 responsibility (while other callings are balanced with work, school, family, etc). It’s the simple principle of magnifying a calling I’m trying to emphasize and focus on. It’s like one of those eternal laws we read about in the D&C. If we magnify our callings, the Spirit is with us, guiding and teaching us, and we feel a greater peace in our lives. Our “confidence [waxes] strong in the presence of God” (D&C 121:45). I would even go out on a limb and suggest the possibility that the returned missionaries who don’t realize this basic law and think the mission is everything are missing a key principle that exists within the Church. If you magnify your calling, you will be blessed! I really feel that is one lesson missionaries learn effectively, which becomes a great asset in future Church leadership.

Another Giant Leap for Mankind

As another example of my “underdeveloped sense-of-shame” ;-) I have subjected myself to the internet-based society, in which we live, through what you now read – this blog. Welcome. I am determined to utilize these ones and zeros we call “free web space” in portraying thought and reflection. I will admit, however, that this is all new to me. It’s been a while since I’ve really written anything (journal included until recently – sad day, you know) and I’ve never blogged before (if it wasn’t a verb before, it is now; I’m from Texas and therefore am permitted to make up words as I go along).

As a first blog to be blogged by yours truly, I would like to dedicate this site to certain people: first of all to my senior AP English teacher, who put up with me and my friend, as well as the rest of the class who, at the time, where less than fans of Michael Deagan; to those who know what the number one rule in life is and live it; to those who actually find interest in what I have (and choose) to say; and lastly, but certainly not least (this is actually where the real dedication goes to) to my summer roommate, who inspired me to create my own blog. Handsome guy, by the way. Ladies, as soon as he’s available (if the day ever comes) I’ll let you know.