June 21, 2015
Re: Letter 29 of 3
Dear Riley:
Last Sunday I was sitting with Bro. JM who commented that he was filled with a little apprehension over what might be coming since we hadn’t had a funeral for so long. I told him I called it mortal tension which was building to a breaking point and said I felt as though someone had a rubber band stretched out with one end just inches away from my eye. Not a comfortable feeling… Hours later, I received a text that Bro. M was in the final stages and went over to their home. Something interesting took place in his home while I was there.
I have been present on occasions while he spoke openly of his failings and expressed regret for his weaknesses and past mistakes. Though Bro. M and I were always friendly, there were things upon which he and I never did see eye to eye… Yet in his final days I had the opportunity to be in his home and assist in giving him a priesthood blessing in which he was released from this mortal sphere. In the minutes that followed, as I held his hand and looked at this man I had a wave of emotion wash over me and was filled with love for this person; who in all his weakness, with all the limitations imposed by circumstance, exercise of agency, and the frailties of an imperfect mortal body… had done enough. I had a distinct impression that his offering to God in all its weakness was sufficient and acceptable to his Heavenly Father, and that when coupled with the offering of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, J and his offering would be made glorious; That his union with his dear wife in the Holy Temple could be sanctioned by the Holy Spirit of Promise. And that he could with confidence rely on the promises laid out in the 19th verse of the 132nd section of the D&C:
“…Ye shall come forth in the first resurrection; and if it be after the first resurrection, in the next resurrection; and shall inherit thrones, kingdoms, principalities, and powers, dominions, all heights and depths…it shall be done unto them in all things whatsoever my servant hath put upon them, in time, and through all eternity; and shall be of full force when they are out of the world; and they shall pass by the angels, and the gods, which are set there, to their exaltation and glory in all things, as hath been sealed upon their heads, which glory shall be a fulness and a continuation of the seeds forever and ever.”
I don’t feel like it was a judgment, simply a peace and quiet reassurance through the Spirit of the blessed and happy state of all those who seek to follow the Savior.
This is sharp contrast to what the world offers. Just 24 hours later, KK had come home from spending a few hours with her mother and was found dead in the bathtub just 40 minutes later. The circumstances and situation were heart-wrenching. I had the words of scripture run through my mind:
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
There simply is no comparison to what the Gospel of Jesus Christ offers and the peace that it brings even in the face of extreme difficulty and sorrow. I just had the M funeral yesterday and will have the K funeral tomorrow.
JC reported on his mission today in Sacrament meeting. He brought a wonderful spirit to our worship and it’s apparent that he was an excellent missionary. You can see it in his countenance and feel it in his testimony. It impressed upon me how when these young men leave as boys and give there all to their Heavenly Father, they return as men and brothers in the Lord There is nothing I would rather you be doing than serving a mission at this time of your life.
Well, this letter has been pretty long about not much. We’re doing extremely well. Cambry comes home on Wednesday. Parker leaves the following day for a Moab and Goblin Valley super activity. By the way, he’s growing like a weed and just started combing his hair. He looks great, but you might not recognize him. Josie is sweet and sitting on my lap while I type. She gets down every couple minutes to go and make me another Father’s Day card. Life is so good and we feel so blessed.
We sure loved your last letter and think it’s wonderful that things are taking off in an area historically not noted for missionary success. Things like this happened on my mission and these areas eventually became the coveted assignments where every missionary longed to serve. Keep up the good work. Great things are in store for you and the work in Thailand.
Love,
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