Highs and Lows of a mission.

The author of this was unknown but I think this poem is more accurate than ever in describing the indescribable feelings that the mission gives you.  This poem is entitled "The Highs and Lows of a mission"

A mission is a strange experience
It is a trial and a test.
A mission throws at you the worst
Yet, teaches you the best.
I've never been so happy,
I've never been so depressed.
I've never felt so forsaken,
I've never felt so blessed.
I've never been so confused,
Things have never been so clear.
I've never felt my Heavenly Father so distant,
He's never been so near.
I've never been so discouraged,
I've never been so full of hope.
I feel I could go on for forever,
I think I've come to the end of my rope.
I've never had it quite so easy,
I've never had it quite so tough.
Things have never been so smooth,
Things have never been so rough.
I've never traveled through more valleys,
I've never ascended more peaks.
I've never met so many nice people.
I've never met so many freaks!
I've never had so many ups,
I've never had so many downs.
I've never worn so many smiles,
I've never had so many frowns.
I've never been so lonely,
I've never had so many friends.
BOY, I hope this is over soon,
GOSH, I hope this never ends.

AMEN to whoever wrote this!  I definitely can say I have experienced every line from this poem on my mission.  I am so grateful I made the decision to come out on one, and that I have the opportunity to serve the Lord full-time for two years!  If you're debating whether or not you want to go on a mission then hear my words.  I say GO!!!!!!!!  IT IS THE BEST TWO YEARS!

Happiness

Happiness is everlasting we never have any reluctance or regret.  Pleasure on the other hand burns out just as quick as a match held at the finger tips.  One can only hold on to that flicker of light for so long until it gets close to your finger's tip forcing them to drop the burned out stick.  True happiness burns like the sun, always warm, and always burning.  I know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is not fleeting, it lasts▬for eternity.  If you want to have true peace and happiness in your life, true happiness, not a counterfit, but truly lasting peace and joy.  May I invite you to find the gospel of Jesus Christ and don't just make it a part of your life but make it your life.  I can promise any who read these words who are looking for more in life they will find it as they embrace the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and the Book of Mormon.  I am eternally grateful for the happiness I have found through the Savior Jesus Christ.  I love him and I know that he lives, it brings me happiness being apart of his work.

Dirty Windows

I read this story today from President Monson's talk "Charity Never Faileth" and I realized how far I have to go before I actually get "there".  This talk almost had me in tears, perhaps it was the timing of reading it but I could really see how the windows I am looking out are dirty.  You will have to read the talk for yourself but I would like to take a short clip from it.  

"A young couple, Lisa and John, moved into a new neighborhood. One morning while they were eating breakfast, Lisa looked out the window and watched her next-door neighbor hanging out her wash.

“That laundry’s not clean!” Lisa exclaimed. “Our neighbor doesn’t know how to get clothes clean!”