Tartan

We said farewell to six incredible missionaries this week.
As they depart, we gift them with a tartan tie, as a token of our appreciation and their service.
Tartan ties keep me grounded in my heritage.
There are some distinctive things about Scotland.
Its natural beauty, the highlands, castles, bagpipes, kilts, tartan, haggis, whisky, shortbread, thistles and the Loch Ness monster, Nessie!
Iโ€™m not quite certain what it is, but there is something about tartan, that so many people find interesting, the clan system and any potential ancestry connections.

Differences

It got me thinking about the many different cultures and traditions in the Belgium/Netherlands Mission.
We have a mix of missionaries from around the world, each with their own distinctive culture, language, customs, history, and practices.
Just like the many colours, lines, and patterns of a tartan tie, we are all different, all unique. Its fascinating to observe how each missionary accepts those differences about one another.
We must never forget that we live in a world of great diversity.
We just donโ€™t accept these differences about one another, we love them, we embrace them, and they enhance our ability to work together in harmony.
As we learn more of one another, our appreciation grows.
Our mission is strengthened through ๐ž๐ช๐ฎ๐š๐ฅ๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ and cultural ๐๐ข๐ฏ๐ž๐ซ๐ฌ๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ.
Culture, language, customs, history, and practices may make us all different. But how are we all the same?

Children of God

I may wear a tartan tie, and occasionally my kilt too, but setting aside those cultural differences, we are after all brothers and sisters, each of us a child of a loving Father in Heaven.
In his memorable speech on Mars Hill, Paul declared to the Athenians that we are the โ€œoffspringโ€ of God. (Acts 17:28.)
The Lord Jesus Christ invites all to come unto Him, โ€œblack and white, bond and free, male and femaleโ€ (2 Nephi 26:33). The Gospel of Jesus Christ unites us together as one.
Dieter F. Uchtdorf said โ€œThe Saviour loves all of Godโ€™s children regardless of their socioeconomic circumstance, race, religion, language, political orientation, nationality, or any other grouping. And so should we!โ€
Letโ€™s embrace our differences!
I hope that we can gratefully acknowledge God as our creator and honour that unique heritage that unites each one of us.
What does it mean to be a child of God to you?

Taught

You cannot teach without learning.
One day in every 6-week period, missionaries gather together to be taught at zone conference.
My experience is that these are times of great learning and understanding for everyone.
The ultimate purpose of everything in zone conference, every question, every scripture, every activity, everything taught, is to invite the Spirit to build faith and to strengthen the testimonies of each missionary as they come to know Jesus Christ even more.

In the scriptures we read, โ€œThe Holy Ghost โ€ฆ shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto youโ€ (John 14:26).

It is only through the Holy Ghost that we can accomplish the ultimate goal of gospel teaching, which is to build faith in Jesus Christ and to help others become more like Him.

๐“ฃ๐“ฑ๐“ฎ ๐“๐“ป๐“ป๐“ธ๐”€ ๐“ช๐“ท๐“ญ ๐“ฝ๐“ฑ๐“ฎ ๐“ข๐“ธ๐“ท๐“ฐ

I shot an arrow into the air,
It fell to the earth, I knew not where;
For, so swiftly it flew, the sight
Could not follow it in its flight.
I breathed a song into the air,
It fell to earth I knew not where;
For who has sight so keen and strong
That it can follow the flight of a song?
Long, long afterward, in an oak
I found the arrow, still unbroke;
And the song from beginning to end,
I found again in the heart of a friend.
– ๐“—๐“ฎ๐“ท๐“ป๐”‚ ๐“ฆ๐“ช๐“ญ๐“ผ๐”€๐“ธ๐“ป๐“ฝ๐“ฑ ๐“›๐“ธ๐“ท๐“ฐ๐“ฏ๐“ฎ๐“ต๐“ต๐“ธ๐”€.

Hopes and Dreams

For me, these words beautifully express the hopes and dreams of every teacher who has ever taught.
This is however especially true in zone conferences.
Every missionary comes prepared to learn and to be taught.
Each session is filled with such a tender spirit, as learning comes from on High.
All those who teach in such settings provide such sweet, delicate, yet powerful messages that penetrate the hearts of all attending.
My hope, like any other teacher is that the eternal principles taught, will live, not just for a day or two, but just as their own souls, will live forever.
Ultimately my experience is always this – their hearts are filled, and their notepads too.
How was your experience of being taught at a zone conference?

Things of My Soul

Ever since I received my first blank diary on Christmas day, 1977, I have enjoyed journaling.
Recording activities, thoughts and feelings has become a daily habit.
Over the years, my journals have become a constant companion in my life. Like Nephi in the Book of Mormon, he records, โ€œAnd upon these things I write the things of my soulโ€. (2 Nephi 4:15)
Recently, I have been very mindful about not only nourishing my soul, but also helping each of the missionaries to nourish their souls.
What is your soul?
The scriptures teach that โ€œthe spirit and the body are the soul of manโ€ (D&C 88:15)
Yesterday, whilst attending a funeral service my soul was stirred, comforted, and cheered on through beautiful words, uplifting music, a gentle tearful embrace and by tenderly holding hands.
I felt Godโ€™s love, in the depths of my soul.
It was peaceful, elegant, and divine.
I felt safe and secure.
Godโ€™s love entered my heart and filled me with hope.
He is anxious for all of us to feel His love, wherever we are.
In a like manner, working so closely with young missionaries from all over the world, teaching moments occur daily for each of them as they discover the things of their souls.
My heart is filled with a great love for each of them, as they come to understand the things of their own souls.

Nourishment

They are eager to learn and hungry for soul stirring nourishment.
They have many questions.
Teaching moments come frequently, as I sit and discuss with them the things of their souls.
Just as we need food and water to nourish our bodies to survive physically, we also need the gospel of Jesus Christ to feed us to survive spiritually.
Where do you record the things of your soul?
Is your soul inquiring after some spiritual nourishment?
Then, why not speak with one of the missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Each one of them know a bit about the things of their souls.
They can help feed, nourish and illuminate yours.

Unearthly

General Conference was a smorgasbord of spiritual instruction and renewal.
Following the instruction leads us to the covenant path and Jesus Christ.
โ€œ๐‘ป๐’‰๐’Š๐’๐’Œ ๐‘ช๐’†๐’๐’†๐’”๐’•๐’Š๐’‚๐’โ€ was such a powerful address from President Nelson.

Memories

After his talk, a memory came to mind.
In May 1983, I turned 18, received the Melchizedek Priesthood and was ordained an Elder.
On 10th June, I joined many others on an overnight 12-hour bus journey to the London Temple, in Lingfield, Surrey.
We arrived a little tired on Saturday morning, ready to spend a day in the House of the Lord.
We live in a telestial world. Entering the temple, we symbolically enter a terrestrial world. And the celestial room in the temple allows us a little glimpse into heaven.

Endowment

Receiving your temple endowment is a very personal experience.
We receive instruction and eternal context for our mortal life.
An endowment is literally a โ€œgift.โ€ In this sense, the temple endowment is a gift of sacred blessings from God to each of us.
I recorded these words in my journal that day, โ€œit was an unearthly experienceโ€.
โ€œUnearthlyโ€ โ€“ it was something spiritual, something deep and meaningful, directly from my soul.

Choices

That same day, I decided to serve a full-time mission and by November I was in the England London Mission.
I have never forgotten the feelings that entered my heart that day.
I made a choice, like many others have, โ€œto take the long view, an eternal view.โ€
The cherished moments that day, were a few more steps on the covenant path to help me to start to โ€œThink Celestialโ€.
โ€œWhen you are confronted with a dilemma, think celestial!
When tested by temptation, think celestial!
When life or loved ones let you down, think celestial!
When someone dies โ€œprematurely,โ€ think celestial.
When someone lingers with a devastating illness, think celestial.
When the pressures of life crowd in upon you, think celestial!
As you recover from an accident or injury, think celestial!โ€
Call one of the missionaries today, they will help you to think celestial!
How can you think celestial?

Connections

You are not Alone.
Despite having a companion, sometimes I am confronted by the fact that missionaries can feel alone.
Serving in a foreign land, far from home, with a different language and culture can create feelings of homesickness.
It is not easy for some as they wrestle with loneliness and discouragement.
Being homesick isnโ€™t at all bad.
It is natural after all to miss those you love most.
Similarly, it is natural to miss the familiar places you know best, where you feel safe and secure.
Being disconnected can and does bring feelings of loneliness.

Connections

And in my experience, connection is something we all strive for in our lives.
Missionaries, however, always have many people for them to connect with.
Knowing that people love and care, is so important.
Parents, siblings, other family and friends are only a call away via technology or regular mail.
More especially, mission leaders, companions and many other missionaries are always on hand to connect with.
And most of all, there are two people always willing to connect with us, at all times and in all places, no matter what we may be going through, namely Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
Each of us, can always turn to Them.
They know us, personally.
Jesus Christ has said, โ€œI will not leave you comfortless: I will come to youโ€ (John 14:18).

Overcoming Loneliness

Gordon B. Hinckley said, โ€œI believe that for most of us the best medicine for loneliness is work, service in behalf of othersโ€.
We read in Proverbs, โ€œWisdom is the principal thing; therefore, get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understandingโ€ (Proverbs 4:7).
Listening ears and an understanding heart comes for missionaries and for you and me), as they take time, to serve, to slow down, to study, to talk and to pray together.
Recently, I have enjoyed doing just that with many missionaries.
Making time for those special connections, really does make a difference.
Who can you connect with today?

Growing Older

I paused.
Watching General Conference at the weekend, I observed the effect of age on many church leaders.
Like them, we are all growing older.
Similarly, I observed our departing missionaries as they gave their final testimonies at our recent Zone Conferences.
They too have grown older.
And a little wiser as well.
But, there is also something very different.
They have overcome hundreds, if not thousands of obstacles over the last 18/24 months.
They know a lot about exercising faith in Jesus Christ, loving, and serving people, being obedient and working hard.
They have learned a lot about different cultures and languages.
They know too about the principles of a disciplined life.
They have grown not only physically, but spiritually too, through their service and study of the scriptures.
They have ๐’„๐’‰๐’‚๐’๐’ˆ๐’†๐’….
Their hearts are softer, gentler, kinder, and tender.
They have grown in knowledge, confidence, and ability.
In a few daysโ€™ time, they will no longer wear a missionaryโ€™s badge, but from personal experience, I know they will always be anxious to identify themselves as one who has served the Lord as a missionary.
Shortly, they will complete the full time missionary โ€œchapterโ€ in their own book of life.
And theyโ€™ll be ready for a fresh start in their next chapter, knowing what it takes to be a lifelong disciple of Jesus Christ.
To parents, family and friends, be prepared for some great inspirational stories and a powerful glow that will lift each of you to higher ground, to be better, to stand taller and to move forward with an increase in faith.
To those in Belgium and the Netherlands, if you want to speak to any of them before they go, then now is the time!
Theyโ€™re growing older, by the hour!

Conversation Buddies

At our recent zone conferences, we held a communication activity.
We created a safe space to talk out loud and recreate a companionship council.
It was fun to observe, as each missionary verbalised their thinking.
They each taught one another something they didnโ€™t know!
I noticed too, sometimes, we donโ€™t listen to each other at all.
We may speak at each other, or past each other, rather than with each other.
Part of the exercise was to learn how to talk with one another in honest and effective ways.
Communication is an essential part of daily life, itโ€™s like a lubricant for all our relationships.
Entering a conversation, we join with our own opinions, feelings, and experiences.
Conversations can hold immense power, create connection, and help us to grow.
With their conversation buddies, missionaries learned how to communicate more effectively, in turn leading to the need for some change.

Change

Change is hard.
Weโ€™re all human, and we all have our struggles, right?
Your biggest rival to change is most likely some internal obstacle that is going on in your head!
– A lack of confidence
– Laziness
– Procrastination
– Stubbornness
When we attempt to change, sometimes we may apply the wrong tactics.
Yet, daily, seemingly small decisions, can all add up to make a big difference.

Time

As I watch each missionary arrive at the start of their mission, over time, I see them develop, and change.
As each of them humbly turns to one another, and then ultimately turn to Jesus Christโ€™s great example, He increaseโ€™s their capacity to change.
Exercising their faith in Jesus Christ, it is only through Him, that they are all given the strength to make lasting changes in their lives.
He literally changes their hearts, because of His great love and empathy for the people He served.
He can and will do the same for each of us, as we accept His invitation to โ€œCome Follow Himโ€.
Week in, week out, I am a witness to many, who have experienced a โ€œchange of heartโ€ (Alma 5:26) as they learn more about divine communication.
Why not seek out a new conversation buddy, and speak with a missionary todayโ€ฆ
How can faith in Jesus Christ help you to change?

Noise

In the Netherlands, noise pollution is a huge challenge.
One of the main sources of environmental noise in the Netherlands is road traffic.
There are statutory limits for road traffic noise.
The government encourages โ€œquieterโ€ tyres, silent asphalt, the installation of many different kinds of sound barriers and the insulation of homes.
Why? Because in a flat land, noise can carry over a very long distance.
We live in an area, known as the โ€œRandstadโ€, and I am a witness to that noise every, single day.

Too Much Noise

Too much noise can be distracting and even overwhelming.
Yet, mild background noise can improve focus and creativity.
Many years ago, as a young salesman, I sold lots of different products, including public address systems for Premier league football stadiums.
I learned a lot about noise.

Meters

Using a ๐œ๐š๐ฅ๐ข๐›๐ซ๐š๐ญ๐ž๐ sound meter, Iโ€™d often conduct surveys with a technical engineer to check on background or ambient noise levels.
A calibrated meter was an essential tool, to understand the levels of background noise.
It was calibrated regularly.
To ๐’„๐’‚๐’๐’Š๐’ƒ๐’“๐’‚๐’•๐’† something means to rectify, to correct, to change and to standardize, to adjust precisely for a particular function, and to re-measure against a standard to measure accuracy.
I especially like the definition given by the Cambridge English dictionary which is โ€œto make small changes to an instrument.โ€

Personal Calibration

In a like manner, our missionaries are asked to recalibrate or re-examine their lives as disciples of Jesus Christ, daily.
Each of them carries a small booklet entitled โ€œMissionary Standards for Disciples of Jesus Christโ€.
Sometimes divine adjustments can be painful, and circumstances can compel us to change.
Like the calibrated sound meter measures noise levels, often we need to re-calibrate our personal lives and
– our relationships with our spouse, children and other family members.
– our relationship with other friends and neighbours.
– our relationships with our brothers and sisters in the gospel.
Recalibration is important in every aspect of humanity, including our relationship with Jesus Christ and with others.
Most of us are aware of areas in our lives that need correction and adjustment.
What needs re-calibrating in your life?

Tick Tock

๐“๐ข๐ฆ๐ž โ€“ itโ€™s always running out for someone.
My assistants and I regularly talk about time.
We plan with exactness each 6-week transfer, 42 days to be precise.
Often, we specify minutes for planned events.
Growing older, my notion of time is that it goes faster and faster.
In the mission, there is always someone running out of time.
It focuses minds on the present.
How a watch measures time and how we as humans perceive it, are seemingly quite different.
Our ancestors measured time in days, weeks, months, seasons, and years.
Unlike our ancestors, our measurement of time is different.
Today, we measure time in milliseconds, seconds, minutes, and hours.
Blink, and weeks have gone.

Hymn

I love these words penned by Robert Baird.
โ€œTime flies on wings of lightning;
We cannot call it back.
It comes, then passes forward
Along its onward track.
And if we are not mindful,
The chance will fade away,
For life is quick in passing.
โ€™Tis as a single day.โ€
(โ€œImprove the Shining Moments,โ€ Hymns, no. 226)
Time is lightning paced.
Each of us are stewards of our time.
Each day counts.

Today

Commenting on world conditions this week UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said, โ€œOur world is becoming unhinged.โ€
In 2019, President Russell M. Nelson said, โ€œI plead with you who have distanced yourselves from the Church and with you who have not yet really sought to know that the Saviourโ€™s Church has been restored. Do the spiritual work to find out for yourselves, and please do it ๐ง๐จ๐ฐ. ๐‘ป๐’Š๐’Ž๐’† ๐’Š๐’” ๐’“๐’–๐’๐’๐’Š๐’๐’ˆ ๐’๐’–๐’•.โ€
Itโ€™s never too early or never too late to learn about Jesus Christ.
Take time today and speak to a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Itโ€™ll be the best time you spend today.
Are you doing everything that you should be doing with your one precious life?

Step by Step

The dictionary says that to walk means to move along on foot or advance by steps.
In life, people take many kinds of walks.
As we walk, we advance ๐’”๐’•๐’†๐’‘ ๐’ƒ๐’š ๐’”๐’•๐’†๐’‘.
The greatest of lifeโ€™s rewards coming from walking along the right paths.
Jesus Christ recommended the strait and narrow way that leads to eternal life (Matthew 7:13-14).
We are encouraged to become like Him, โ€œto walk, even as he walkedโ€ (1 John 2:6).
Becoming like Jesus Christ will not happen in an instant, it happens gradually, ๐’”๐’•๐’†๐’‘ ๐’ƒ๐’š ๐’”๐’•๐’†๐’‘.
He will guide us in our walk, at the right speed, in the right direction.
As we walk, we learn to control our thoughts and behaviour.
It takes time, maybe even an entire lifetime and beyond.
It requires daily work and daily effort.
Small steps in the right direction can sometimes turn out to be the biggest steps in our life.
All it takes, is one small step.
Becoming like Him is a slow, steady, and sure process.
The Apostle Paul taught, โ€œFor we walk by faith, not by sightโ€ (2 Corinthians 5:7).
Having faith in Jesus Christ will help us move forward, even if we’re unsure of the next step.
Step by step, inspiration will come.
Step 1, say to yourself, โ€œI can follow Him.โ€
Step 2, speak to a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
It is a process you can start today, one step at a time.
Answers are only one step away.
ยฉ Copyright 2024 Daryl Watson. All Rights Reserved. Registered in Scotland, Company Number SC473068