Every morning has been special since I returned from serving as a full-time missionary. I wake up to messages that thank me for who I am and with words that motivate me to be better. Many came to me asking what is so special about these 18 months? What did you gain? First of all, it was my CHOICE. It was not a ritual nor a forced commitment. I am grateful that I got to work with awesome people who inspired me to have meaningful goals in life and follow them. I met with and lived with people whose life battles have blown, had a second chance in life and never missed it. I went there looking for people who needed hope and peace in their life. Home is not just where you were born but where you find yourself. My second home is my mission. I saw myself stretching beyond my capacities to serve others. I was humbled as I saw families and friends who live simple lives but have priceless hearts. I found strength in people who walk the way they talk. I found a world without discrimination is possible only through 'LOVE'.
It may sound dramatic, but I believe the depth in my feeling makes it sound that way. I was a stranger in those lands that I stepped into. Yet, I felt at home. It does not make me a saint or something but just taught me that a saint is someone who keeps trying his best to serve others. That made me understand that I do not have to be perfect. Of course, I have missed the literal world and its concourses, but I never would regret it. When I serve others, I understand that there is someone who is physically far from us but is not that far from reaching to us through someone. And to such a mighty personage, even the Almighty, Loving Heavenly Father, His Son Jesus Christ, the Saviour and Friend, each one of us matters and means everything to them. The 18 months of my mission were the best years of my life and the best decision I ever made. I do not think all these I got would be equivalent to any money because these are priceless. They say some things we can never buy. I agree these experiences can never be bought.
The world may seem unfair here and there, but there is much to learn. There is no need for everyone to go on a mission like me, but each one of our missions is unique and special; however, the blessings and the promises are magnificent when we serve him as Full-Time missionaries. There is no joy greater than the Joy coming from serving Him and His children, which includes everyone.
'I know that which the Lord hath commanded me, and I glory in it. I do not the glory of myself, but I glory in that which the Lord commanded me; yea, and this is my glory, that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul to repentance; and this is my Joy.' - 1 Alma 29:9
Just like Alma the younger, this is my true Joy.
