Letter, 12/3/12

Dear Family,

As the Christmas lights begin to send their humble twinkle of light to cast away the enclosing darkness, they also send a shimmering reminder of the simple glory of the season.  The lights bring out the best in people and a humble happiness fills the soul.  The Christmas season is once more upon us and beckons the best out of each of our spirits.  How great are these humble lights!  These secular symbols bring heaven to earth for a short period in our mortal lives.  These were just a few of my thoughts as we strolled the streets of Milton - Freewater, spredding the true joy and happiness that only comes through Christ.

Although slow, this week was exciting and gratifying.  We have been struggling to connect with the bishop here and have exchanged many misunderstandings.  I do not think it was anything personal on either side, just to many miscommunications by both parties.  I think over the course of the past week we were able to see eye-to-eye and overcome some of the challenges that has kept us working in unity.  We had the opportunity to go on "exchanges" with him and really try and work some of the problems.  Brother Walkers saying kept replaying in my head, "No matter how flat the pancake there are always two sides."  I know that seeing both sides to situations is vital for working in unity, but sometimes there seems to be a hepitgonal cure in the place of the two sides!

That is one of the hardest aspects of missionary work - accepting the views of others.  To me, everyone would want the gospel and do everything in their power to accept it.  But in D&C 29:7 it says we are called to gather the elect.  Not everyone is prepared to live the gospel right now and need to willing to keep commitments.  One my zone leaders said, "commitments are the thread in which covenants are woven."  So when we are not "harvesting" we are merely "planting" (President Greer).  That is one lesson I am learning very well up here. 

The growing season in North Eastern Oregon is very long, and the harvesting is longer.  It was not until recently that the producers stopped harvesting!  Throughout the harvest, one practice has continually caught my attention; although there are thousands of apple trees to harvest from, they are still planting trees to harvest from in the future.  These young trees are vital importance for it is from their blossoms that the bees pollinate the elder trees. 

So it is with missionary work although "the field is white already to harvest" we must also continually plant the seed for future missionaries and members.  Once these seeds take root, they are vital additions to our church.  Their strong testimonies strengthen and sweeten our faith.  So, in times of slump, I ask myself, "How important is the planting?" 

The week has been full of planting, but success is always the promise of the worker.  We have literally seen miracles, but we must ask, are we the pharisee or the true learner? Both saw the miracles performed by the Masters hand, but both saw something different. 

Love,
Elder Hamblin

P.S. Shippa, read Ether 12:27 and pay attention FIRST "if/then" promise.  X-reference to 2 Cor. 4:17 and Phil. 4:11.  You will know what to do PLEASE write back what you have learned!

P.S.S- DAD D&C 106:4-5

P.S.S.S- Thank you for the Thanksgiving stuff and music! I just got it today. I love you III