HUMILITY

In preparation for next week’s “Come, Follow Me” lesson, I (Russell) was reading Ether 12:27.  In that verse Jesus Christ tells us, “And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men if they humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.” 

As I have thought about this verse of scripture, and considered how it applies in my life today, I can see how my willingness to serve a mission (“come unto me”) here in Missouri provided an opportunity for me to be shown my  weaknesses.  Working with vehicles, particularly backing up a truck and trailer, and interacting with some of the young missionaries who struggled to stay accident free, has made clear to me some of my inadequacies. 

But I struggled with the application of the last phrase, “then will I make weak things become strong unto them.”  I clearly did not learn how to back up a trailer very well.  Perhaps I have failed with the “if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me” part.  Or, I incorrectly assume that I would “become strong.”  

The more I thought about it, the more I realized that the part I have appreciated most during my time taking care of the vehicles, was the support of senior missionary elders who helped me in my assignment.  My association with Elders Bradford, Young, Dunham, Dennison, and Hall is one of the highlights of my time serving here.  I desperately needed their help, and with that help, “weak things become (became) strong unto them (me)."

I (Eileen) go to doctor appointments with missionaries when the outcome of the appt. could affect their future missionary status.  This week I attended two appointments with missionaries.I was really proud of the elders who arrived early.  

                                         
In this photo I have tried to discreetly show all the people who were waiting for the missionary to complete her checkin.  She was  a few minutes late and then took 20 minutes to complete her registration. It was extremely awkward for me as there were 5 people waiting for her to finish.