Dear Family and Friends,
It
was quite a shock to hear of my grandmother's passing last night. I can
honestly say that one of the hardest things I have ever done was to say
goodbye to my grandma not knowing if I would see her again in this
life. She was one of my closest friends. Someone that I grew up around,
and laughed with, and served (albeit begrudgingly at times), and above
all someone that helped me see more of my own potential than I could
have grasped on my own. It doesn't feel like it has really sunk in yet. I
just want everyone to know how much I love her and how much I look
forward to seeing her again on that beautiful bright millennial day.
Most of what I feel can't be put into words, but what I can describe is a
reassuring sense of peace. The few times I considered the possibility
of this happening I imagined that there would be pain, and sorrow and
anguish. While admitting I am indeed saddened by the occurrence, I am
yet swallowed up in the joy of the resurrection. "For I am not ashamed
of the Gospel of Christ" "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ
shall all be made alive."
I send my love and deepest wishes of peace for each of you that have been affected by her passing.
I
need to clarify something that has been in confusion. Then I won't
bring it up again because I don't want to dwell on it. My I will be
flying home on October 19
around the middle of the day. Exact times during the day will be given
the week before I leave, otherwise I will refer you back to this
statement. That being said I'll shift gears to missionary mindset.
The past week has been spent on exchanges with all the Zone Leaders throughout the mission. 11 companionships in 5 days
is a fair amount to coordinate, luckily this is the Lord's work and he
makes things work out the way they need to. I have been made more
abundantly aware of what great missionaries and young men we have as
Latter-Day Saints. To add to that I have seen first-hand the mighty
change of heart wrought in a dear friend who was recently baptized.
Chris shared his testimony with me and two other missionaries and the
spirit pierced my heart. I haven'e felt the spirit so strongly for quite
a while, and the amazing part is that his words were plain easy to be
understood by anyone who would have heard. Yet the power truly shook me
to the core. Faith in Jesus Christ is essential first. Repentance is
change wrought within us; both a commandment and a blessing it allows a
way that we don't have to suffer, we don't have to hurt, we don't have
to have the pain of guilt and shame. These are not the exact words Chris
shared, though in similar fashion I echo the message that was witnessed
to by him. Though I have learned a lot this week, much yet do I lack
which encourages me to push forward undaunted by the weakness of my
flesh. The spirit carries us through when we learn to rely on it and
trust in our Father and His Plan. By so doing we shall have peace in
this life and following the Gospel plan allows us to be heirs of Eternal
Life. Potential to become like our Father in Heaven.
I love you all! Have a great week!
Elder McGarry
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