Every now and then I'm reminded of sacrifices I've made to serve the Lord for two years as a full-time missionary—sacrifices like not getting to watch the 2012 Summer Olympics in London or not getting to attend a Lindsey Buckingham concert at the Franklin Theatre last week. (To keep me focused on my missionary purpose—inviting others to come unto Christ—I avoid all forms of worldly entertainment for the duration of my service).
I know these sacrifices seem pretty small, and they probably are. Nevertheless, the facts are these: I love Fleetwood Mac and I love the Olympics, and prior to my mission I would have struggled to find many things of greater importance to me.
I still love Fleetwood Mac and I still love the Olympics; I always will. But my love for music and sports and entertainment pales in comparison to my love for the gospel of Jesus Christ. A three-minute Mac song urging me to "go my own way" is just not as satisfying as a thirty-minute, Spirit-filled lesson in which I urge my friends to go the Lord's way. Watching Michael Phelps win another gold medal is not as rewarding as observing a friend find gold in the scriptures.
I have found greater joy in living and teaching the Doctrine of Christ—faith, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end—than in anything else. You can, too. Click on some of the links below and start your journey toward joy and fulfillment.
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Finding Joy in the Journey, President Thomas S. Monson
The Path to Peace and Joy, Elder Richard G. Scott
The Gospel of Jesus Christ, Elder L. Tom Perry
Oh Elder Barton, this is great!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it awesome how small sacrifices of the things we once valued most helps us to find a hidden treasure, a pearl of great price even? ;)