Fall Leaves and a Philosophical Observation

 This week was mostly spent visiting the less active members we have committed to work with. It is not surprising to us that as we show our love for them by our consistent messages and visiting, they are becoming more and more willing to do the things we ask. As they respond by keeping commitments and commandments, the Spirit once again touches them and this brings them closer to God and makes them want to once again be counted as active members. The difficulties are often caused by lack of conversion but there are psychological and some physical reasons as well. We rejoice in small victories like children actually being attentive while Sister Johnson shares a primary lesson from the Book of Mormon.

 We are deep into the change of color that identifies fall as the season of choice for many people. The following are some random shots taken during our travels last week.

We call this one yellow leaves.

Tree leaves turning red.

Multicolored trees along a forest lane.

A magnificent Victorian home...but then you could see that.

 Our new branch president is going to make a big difference to missionary work here in Iron Mountain. In his first branch council meeting yesterday the bulk of the time was spent learning about the status of current investigators and returning members. He was interested in what the branch could do to help forward missionary work. The shift in attitude was palpable. We have committed to help in any way we can. We are repeating a “picnic” between the Sunday conference sessions where investigators may come and eat after watching the first session with us or eat and then stay for the second session. Last conference (April) we had one investigator come who stayed and ironically married one of the sisters in the branch. He is still investigating.

 We are at the mid-point of our mission (OK a little past mid-point) and we are working to overcome a mild complacency that occurs in everyday life, every relationship, and yes, in every mission; complacency that comes with routine; routine that all human endeavor craves. This is not a problem but just an observation. What to do? Well, some people divorce, some move, and many relish their frustration and love to share it with others. For the committed missionary none of those “solutions” are an option. We have covenanted to bring the Gospel to the world. So we find the blessings of “losing your life” in the work are: a renewed purpose, renewed energy, and a renewed witness. That witness is the Spirit; which, by its very nature, gives life to life as it animates our bodies and invigorates our minds giving us a certain enthusiasm to move forward. Wonder of wonders it works for non-missionaries too!

Could there be a better blessing or a better realization of God’s love for us.

Elder and Sister Johnson*

*Yes, she approved of this message.