Dear Family and Friends,
I
am humbled and blessed daily. I love getting to know people and see
things from their perspective. I have a huge opportunity here in the
mission field where people are able to open up in a way that they
otherwise would not in many cases. I take that responsibility very
seriously. For that reason I try not to share to many personal things. I
did have an experience this week though that changed my perspective for
the future and I'll get to that in a second. I have had the honor of
being part of Martin's Baptism, by his son Frank. It was beautiful :) I
got to share my testimony right after the baptism itself. I know that
these are the days that I will look back on for years to come, but more
importantly that I will strive to see more of in the years to come.
Humility
can be a very hard thing to overcome. It requires a change of
personality and character in a lot of ways. It's hard to admit that you
are wrong. The opposite of humility is pride, and it is a desolating
disease. It can sneak in at any stage of life or in any kind of
relationship. I have seen how pride can destroy people's love for each
other. I feel that to be prideful is to say that you do not want
understanding. You feel that you are right. You area "knower" and no-one
else knows as good as you. Is that not what pride tells us? Or at least
that in order to fill our responsibilities we have to do it ourselves
without help from outside. In contrast being humble is to say that I do
not know what is best. Maybe my (In my case it would be companion)
SOMEONE(Insert Bishop, Spouse, Councilor, Parent, Heavenly Father) knows
better than I do. Alma 7 talks about how we need to 'come and fear not,
and lay aside every sin which doth easily beset us.' Is it scary to say
that you are wrong? Is it hard? Is it enjoyable? Some hearts may say
"What will people think to know that I, of all people, made a mistake or
that I don't know what to do?" This week I had an introspective view of
what this kind of thinking leads to. A family was divided against
itself. I can only say that a house divided against itself will not
stand. Nevertheless, I know that God provides a way for all of his
children to be complete and whole and to be equal heirs to that kingdom
he has prepared for them. My desperate plea to this circumstance is that
each of us will be humble enough to let go of our own pride, because it
get us absolutely nothing but pain and sorrow. I have seen this in my
life.
The
scriptures teach us to be ware of Pride. I would say that even more
than that, dispel pride and be eager to accept guidance and council in
truth. Strive to be unified in whatever you do. It takes a LOT of
Humility and Patience. But it will turn out :) I know that it's not easy
to get along with some people, I am probably one of them, I don't know
because I haven't had to put up with me in that way ;) but I'm grateful
for those of you that have. We are nothing without our loving Father in
Heaven. I know that he loves each and every one of us. I know that he
wants us all to have a personal relationship with him. If you haven't
built one then start now :) Just like the children of Israel had to only
look to the staff to be healed, we only have to look to our Father in
Heaven. Let us not be slothful because of the easiness of the way.
Remember to exercise faith, and humility unto repentance. I love you all
and can't wait to hear from many of you :) (Yes that is an invitation
to write back)
Have a great week!
Elder McGarry
 |
| Baptism |
 |
| Redneck'n it before dinner with the Sanchez Family :) |
No comments:
Post a Comment