As you know, this kid is going on an LDS mission in about 10 weeks. YAY!
I've had my call since July, and I'm telling you- something weird happens when you are a soon-to-be sister missionary. Ever since I received my call, I've heard a lot of comments like this:
I've had my call since July, and I'm telling you- something weird happens when you are a soon-to-be sister missionary. Ever since I received my call, I've heard a lot of comments like this:
Oh, you're going on a mission to Russia? That's exciting. Maybe you'll meet your husband over there- that would be a sweet story.
Russia huh? Don't you dare meet a cute Russian boy and never come back, ya hear? I want to have you around after your mission.
Russia? That's cool. Maybe one of the missionaries you serve with will set you up with a nice young man when you come home.
As well meaning as I know these people seem to be, I can't help feeling like they think I'm going on a mission in order to look for a celestial mate.
Let's make one thing very VERY clear: I am NOT serving a mission in order to get married.
If I REALLY wanted to get married right now, I'd be doing other things- like going to the singles ward, attending institute, and DATING for heavens sake. If you think that a mission is the place to find your eternal companion, then you aren't fully understanding what it means to consecrate your whole life to the Lord.
Now, if you've read any of my previous blog posts then you'll know that the idea of marriage doesn't scare me, I don't think it's a bad thing in any way, nor do I think that choosing a career first and marriage second is the best way to live out your 20s. I do want to get married one day (sooner rather than later) and I think that doing school together as a young married couple can help keep you united and strengthen your marriage; after all, it's only once clay has been through the refiner's fire that we can truly say it's become something beautiful.
I really think that marriage is a wonderful institution (it beats being a spinster cat lady my whole life), but I'm not looking for that right now.
I'm serving a mission because I know that Jesus Christ atoned for the sins of the world, that the Book of Mormon can change your life, and that Heavenly Father has a plan for each of us. These truths have shaped who I am today and I am eager to share them with anyone who is searching for their purpose, identity, or that feels like something is missing in their life. It sounds like a long list of cliches, but I believe that this gospel has the ability to change hearts and bring souls to Christ and I know that my imperfect self can help move these truths forward. I'm not going to be a perfect missionary, not even close, but I'm going to work hard so that I can serve others for the next 18 months. Thinking of missionary service as anything other than SERVICE is just plain wrong.
So. If you want to make a comment about that beautiful man that you think will sweep me off my feet in the mission field, save your breath- I'm not interested.
Thanks for reading :)
Let's make one thing very VERY clear: I am NOT serving a mission in order to get married.
If I REALLY wanted to get married right now, I'd be doing other things- like going to the singles ward, attending institute, and DATING for heavens sake. If you think that a mission is the place to find your eternal companion, then you aren't fully understanding what it means to consecrate your whole life to the Lord.
Now, if you've read any of my previous blog posts then you'll know that the idea of marriage doesn't scare me, I don't think it's a bad thing in any way, nor do I think that choosing a career first and marriage second is the best way to live out your 20s. I do want to get married one day (sooner rather than later) and I think that doing school together as a young married couple can help keep you united and strengthen your marriage; after all, it's only once clay has been through the refiner's fire that we can truly say it's become something beautiful.
I really think that marriage is a wonderful institution (it beats being a spinster cat lady my whole life), but I'm not looking for that right now.
I'm serving a mission because I know that Jesus Christ atoned for the sins of the world, that the Book of Mormon can change your life, and that Heavenly Father has a plan for each of us. These truths have shaped who I am today and I am eager to share them with anyone who is searching for their purpose, identity, or that feels like something is missing in their life. It sounds like a long list of cliches, but I believe that this gospel has the ability to change hearts and bring souls to Christ and I know that my imperfect self can help move these truths forward. I'm not going to be a perfect missionary, not even close, but I'm going to work hard so that I can serve others for the next 18 months. Thinking of missionary service as anything other than SERVICE is just plain wrong.
So. If you want to make a comment about that beautiful man that you think will sweep me off my feet in the mission field, save your breath- I'm not interested.
Thanks for reading :)