Double the Mission, Double the Blessings



In 2011 I was called to serve in the California Roseville mission for 18 months. They were the hardest and greatest 18 months of my life. I didn't want them to end, but the end is inevitable. So I returned home and started my new life as a college graduate, returned missionary girl. It was good. But those 18 months infused in me a deep desire to learn and grow and share the Gospel. I didn't feel I was doing those things as well as I would have liked. I knelt down and prayed one evening and asked God to provide me with a GREAT oportunity to serve and be a missionary in my community.

Well... he took me literally and answered my prayers. Due to a series of events my branch was short a missionary. So I was called to serve in the New Mexico Albuquerque Mission for 1 month. I was told by my Stake President, after I was set apart as a full time missionary AGAIN that this truly was a second mission. So I had the opportunity to serve and be a missionary in my own community. Thanks Heavenly Father! :)

The first time around I was more focused on what my mission could do for me. It was slightly selfish but Heavenly Father was willing to allow me this. My own testimony and spirituality grew. I developed new skills, was blessed by my associations and had some amazing experiences that blessed me greatly.
On my second mission my focus was to start and finish strong with selfless service. I aimed to serve and love my companion, my branch, the people I taught, and the Lord. My mission taught me to love serving others. It taught me that when I focus outward I am often blessed inward.  The blessings that poured in were miraculous and joyfully received.

I once compared my first mission to the First Vision. I saw God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ, not physically, but in a way that I had never seen them before. I worked shoulder to shoulder with the Savior in bringing the Gospel to others. The Roseville Mission is my Sacred Grove. My Second Mission is a second vision. This time I was able to see myself as God sees me. I was able to see what I am capable of with His help. I saw the nothingness and the greatness of my own being. For these two sacred experiences I am forever grateful.

It was a little weird serving in the branch I had been attending. There were many confused faces and awkward hugs, but it was the second greatest experience of my life. Our Father in Heaven can help us grow faster and greater than we can even imagine. We don't have to be full time missionaries to receive the amazing blessings and guidance of the Lord. We don't have to be full time missionaries to receive the Savior's sweet grace which can lift us above our sorrows, weaknesses and trials. We just have to be a disciplined disciple.

So, two missions later I am stronger, wiser, more at peace,
my will to serve is much increased.
Smarter, braver, much more grateful,
Refined like silver, much more faithful.

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