Step by Step

It always is amusing how when we first take on a task, such as a new job - or we start a new semester in school, or we get a responsibility in church, that immediately we feel a huge weight placed on our shoulders; mainly because we have never served or worked in that capacity before, and we contemplate how much time it will take to "learn the tricks of the trade." We sometimes try to do everything at once and learn all of our responsibilities in one day... that is impossible. It takes time, and effort, and learning - along with experiences.

When I started my mission officially in California, I saw how much I needed to learn. Not just sticking to our regimented schedule, but our many responsibilities, rules, code of conduct, studying the gospel, learning spanish, and being physically fit.... the list kept going on and on. I thought: "How can I do this?" "How can I learn all of this so quickly?" Answer: I wasn't required to learn those things all at once.

With each passing hour, and day, and week, and transfer, I gained more experiences while learning more about the gospel and how to teach it effectively, and the importance of keeping to the schedule and following all protocols. I had to learn patience and learn each duty one at a time. Like anything, once something is learned it becomes second nature. It is easy to be overwhelmed once we are given a new responsibility. We think, like I did: "How am I going to do all of this?" The Lord reveals His will to us line upon line, and precept upon precept. Is it any different with life? Does a law student automatically know how to try a case upon starting their first day of Law School? Does a parent know what to expect when they have their first child? Does a young missionary know what to expect once they enter the mission field? Once a foundation is placed, one can then build off of it. We learn things according to our faith and understanding AND patience.

I would try to do so many things at once to stay ahead and not be behind - but even if one is perceivably successful in that, it only creates feelings of depression, hopelessness, and often hiding from our responsibilities because we have unwittingly overwhelmed ourselves to the point of "throwing in the towel." I knew that the gospel was true and that a mission was where I needed to be. I knew the power of prayer and was therefore blessed with patience and understanding throughout my mission and after. I took "baby steps" and learned only what I was ready to learn.

When we feel so overwhelmed and can't seem to fully comprehend what it is we are required to do, sometimes the heavenly virtue of patience is required. When we seek to know God's will for us and are prepared to do it, we are in the strongest position to receive maximum help from our loving Heavenly Father.