Our young missionaries love to drop by the office. They come for a variety of reasons such as to pick up mail and supplies or to see the nurse or another office staff member. But regardless of the reason for the visit, they always visit the candy jar. We stock the fridge with water bottles and the candy jar with an assortment of treats that the missionaries can take. They love the chocolate candy bars the most, so after a busy day of missionary visitors, the candy jar is usually left with only the less desirable types of candy.
This past week I (Russell) suggested we have two candy jars. One with the most desirable types of candy and the other with the less desirable ones. In front of the jar with the most desirable treats, we put a sign saying, “If you have submitted your letter to President this week, paid your $10 copayment for any medical visits, and logged your car’s mileage within the last three days, then go ahead and take from this jar. If not, you can take from the other candy jar.”
We have been challenged in our efforts to train the young missionaries to do some of the simple acts of obedience, so I thought it would be fun to see the missionaries reactions to our sign. One missionary walked up to the jar, read the sign, and then walked away. The funny thing is that if they took a minute or two they could probably cure whatever they were negligent on right there, and then take the candy of their choice.
I got to thinking that life is sort of like that. God provides us with several possible outcomes after this life, depending upon what we do in this life. The best outcome, that which God wants for us, is exaltation in His celestial kingdom. The steps we need to achieve it have been laid out plainly for us, and we have a way provided to rectify our shortcomings when we fail. Should we not qualify for that best outcome, even the lower kingdoms of glory are pretty good compared to our life now or the life we would have had if we had not elected to follow God’s plan and come to this earth.
It seems the questions that face me in life are in someways similar to those the young missionaries face when they approach the candy jar. Do I want to try for the best possible outcome, or choose to just take the less rewarding option? If I want to pursue the best possible outcome, will I take the opportunity given me to repent and change when I make a mistake? Do I trust my Father in Heaven that what he thinks is best for me really is what will make me happiest? Do I trust in my Savior Jesus Christ’s atoning sacrifice for me and change my ways to live in accordance with His commandments?
On Monday evening, we attended our last senior missionary Family Home Evening pot-luck dinner. They asked Eileen and I to bear our testimonies. People ask us if we are excited to be going home. Both of us have mixed feelings about the mission coming to an end. We both love serving with the Sommerfeldts, and have grown close to some of the other senior missionaries we have labored with. It is clear see that this has been Eileen’s favorite mission. My guess is that this will not be our last.
Two weeks ago it was freezing here, with temperatures near zero. Today it is 64 degrees outside. The forecast this week is for springlike weather. That is a last memory of Missouri that I would like to take home with me.
Sister Corder returned home earlier this week due to health issues. Wonderful miracles were associated with getting her the medical help she needs. (Used with her permission)
