Holy Cow! Y'all have had quite the weekend. Sounds like y'all are
having fun being with family. A disco party? I didn't see that one
coming. That reminds me of the time uncle John let me try on those crazy
pants a while back. Do you remember that? I think there was a picture
of it on your phone. Anyway, well I would be lying if I said this week
was outstanding. We have had quite a few struggles. We have seen
miracles all around, but we are in a drought. We haven't been able to
teach a lesson all week, except for dinner messages at members homes. I
think I have come to realize one of the many roles I am to play in this
ministerial experience. It seems all of my companions have told me that
up until they served with me, they have seen loads and loads of success
and baptisms. At first that was a hard thing to swallow. At the surface I
started to question my abilities and my worthiness. Which neither is
healthy to do. I then realized I was still happy and felt good about the
work I was doing. I focused too much on the negative, I completely
missed the positive. Along with this message there was a little comment
that was expressed from each of my companions; "how do you do it?" It
makes me smile and laugh now. How do I do it? Well I don't! It is not me
at all! If I did it, I would be the one saying "Why don't I see as much
success as the next missionary?" But I don't care what the "next"
missionary has under his belt. All I care about is what the Lord sees
fit for me to accomplish in the part of the vineyard he has allotted to
me. Some do major remodeling in that vineyard, some do trimming and
weeding. Some get to harvest the "fruits of labors" I believe I have the
opportunity to help those I work with to understand it doesn't matter
the title of the "labor" we perform, whether it's harvesting or pruning,
what matters is that we put our heart and soul into the work. If I do
all I can to labor in the field I have been assigned, then I can expect
the Lord to pour out those blessings where needed. I was able to train
on D.I.R.T this week. The Anti-Nephi-Lehi's buried their weapons of war,
we need to bury our fears. Putting the weapons/fears in the hole was a
noble desire, but they could still get to the weapons if attacked, they
needed to truly bury them. We bury them with D.I.R.T.
Dependence on the Lord
Immaculate obedience
Repentance
Testifying boldly and often.
As missionaries we experience lots of uncomfortable situations that
can make us fearful. When we come to understand that Fear is the
antithesis of Faith, we can set ourselves on a path to rely on the Lord.
May we all be able to make mighty mounds of dirt is my hope for my
district and all those I come in contact with! The dirt or dust of the
earth is the basis of all creation, let it be the basis of our lives! I
love you all so much thank you for the support you all end! Let's go get
dirty!!!!!
Not a Second Wasted,
Elder Ryan Burnham
