I Hope They Call Me On a Mission

This past weekend our Stake had Conference. Saturday night was the adult session ...

The theme of the meeting was all about parenting and missionary work. As I sat and listened to these talks, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with the spirit. Several times President Monson's opening remarks from conference in October were mentioned;

"Now, before we hear from our speakers this morning, may I mention a matter close to my heart and which deserves our serious attention. I speak of missionary work.

First, to young men of the Aaronic Priesthood and to you young men who are becoming elders: I repeat what prophets have long taught—that every worthy, able young man should prepare to serve a mission. Missionary service is a priesthood duty—an obligation the Lord expects of us who have been given so very much. Young men, I admonish you to prepare for service as a missionary. Keep yourselves clean and pure and worthy to represent the Lord. Maintain your health and strength. Study the scriptures. Where such is available, participate in seminary or institute. Familiarize yourself with the missionary handbook Preach My Gospel.

A word to you young sisters: while you do not have the same priesthood responsibility as do the young men to serve as full-time missionaries, you also make a valuable contribution as missionaries, and we welcome your service.

And now to you mature brothers and sisters: we need many, many more senior couples. To the faithful couples now serving or who have served in the past, we thank you for your faith and devotion to the gospel of Jesus Christ. You serve willingly and well and accomplish great good.

To those of you who are not yet to the season of life when you might serve a couples mission, I urge you to prepare now for the day when you and your spouse might do so. As your circumstances allow, as you are eligible for retirement, and as your health permits, make yourselves available to leave home and give full-time missionary service. There are few times in your lives when you will enjoy the sweet spirit and satisfaction that come from giving full-time service together in the work of the Master."

My heart began to beat fast and my eyes filled with tears. I too have a strong testimony of missionary's and the work they do. As my mind drifted to each of my boys, I couldn't help but think of the many examples they have right now...A father, Grandfather and 5 uncles that have gone and served the Lord and "Returned with Honor" AND an older cousin that is preparing now...how blessed they are to have all these men in their lives and what an amazing example each one of them are.

Then I sat for a minute quietly...as my mind took in what was being said. I realized, not only have my boys been shown the way, but I too was included in this knowledge. Quickly I thought of two people...My second set of parents...As they prepared and served the Lord not too long ago. I was overcome with emotion. I remember being young and having NO DESIRE WHAT SO EVER to serve a mission. That all changed a little over 5 years ago as Mike and I traveled to Hong Kong. It was there that I realized, "I hope they call ME on a mission". I have already grown the foot or two, I know that I will NEVER be totally ready, but being there, seeing my parents serve the Lord and, watching how they interacted with EVERYONE made me realize what I had missed AND what I have to look forward to.

It is my sincere hope to be "called to serve" and do so with my husband...I realized it wasn't just my boys who needed to hear this reminder it was ME!! As I look at how I can help them better prepare, I am also preparing myself. At some point, I will be in "season" and ready to be called upon to do the Lord's work. How great that day will be. As my boys look upon their Grandmother and see, she too is one of their GREATEST examples...as she is defiantly one of mine.

I love that we ALL have her example to follow. I am now counting the days until I can follow in her footsteps, severe as she continues to serve and love the way she has shown me to love. As I strive to prepare worthy, able young men to serve a mission, I best be preparing myself!!

I loved the closing remark/pome that Pres. Monson told:

Somebody's Mother
The woman was old and ragged and gray
And bent with the chill of the Winter's day.

The street was wet with a recent snow
And the woman's feet were aged and slow.

She stood at the crossing and waited long,
Alone, uncared for, amid the throng

Of human beings who passed her by
Nor heeded the glance of her anxious eye.

Down the street with laughter and shout,
Glad in the freedom of 'school let out,"

Came the boys like a flock of sheep,
Hailing the snow piled white and deep.

Past the woman so old and gray
Hastened the children on their way.

Nor offered a helping hand to her-
So meek, so tired, afraid to stir

Lest the carriage wheels or the horses' feet
Should crowd her down in the slippery street.

At last came one of the merry troop,
The gayest laddie of all the group;

He paused beside her and whispered low,
'I'll help you cross, if you wish to go."

Her aged hand on his strong young arm
She placed, and so, without hurt or harm,

He guided the trembling feet along,
Proud that his own were firm and strong.

Then back again to his friends he went,
His young heart happy and well content.

'She's somebody's mother, boys, you know,
For all she's aged and poor and slow,

'And I hope some fellow will lend a hand
To help my mother, you understand,

'If ever she's poor and old and gray,
When her own dear boy is far away.'

And "somebody's mother" bowed low her head
In her home that night, and the prayer she said

Was, 'God be kind to the noble boy,
Who is somebody's son, and pride and joy!"

...Mary Dow Brine