The Nomadic Life

  

Hola a todos! I hope each and every one of you have had a wonderful last week. This last week has gone by so fast for me. It feels like 24 hours ago I was writing my last email, not a whole week. 

     We spent the first half of the week down in Winchester, VA. Being my old area, it was fun to be able to see a few of the people I had taught during my time there. We worked very hard and saw some miracles which was amazing. Something I discussed with our mission president's wife this last week is the beauty of God's perfect timing. I could tell you hundreds of examples where circumstances seemed to line up perfectly so that within a 3 second window we met a certain person. While not infringing on our person agency, I marvel at how God extends our capabilities far beyond anything we could have ever accomplished on our own. I have found that God can make much more of our lives than we ever could have through our own efforts. 

     I don't know about you, but sometimes the future scares me. We know we are heading into perilous times and the signs of the second coming of Christ are piling up.  And sometimes we hate the past. Sometimes we hate the things we or other people have done or the things that life has done to us. Remember that "all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things."[2 Nephi 2:24]. Remember that all things happen for a reason, and according to the will and wisdom of Him who knows all things. Sometimes we are frightened at what could become of our lives. But we also tend to focus on the worst-case scenario. We're pessimistic and tunnel-visioned and oftentimes forget how God can turn any difficult situation into a best-case scenario. In regards to the future, the Savior of the world has said, "Fear not, little children, for you are mine, and I have overcome the world, and you are of them that my Father hath given me." [DandC 50:41] I testify that the Lord loves you. I love you. The things we go through in this life are not easy, but they allow us to grow in our capability to find joy and become like our Father in heaven. He will take our lives and mold them to be exactly what He needs them to be. Remember that His goal is our eternal happiness, both in this life and the one to come. 

     Con amor, 

               Elder Blackburn