Dry Spell

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