Hello Friends, Family! Long time no type!
Things have been great here in Anyang for the past few weeks. Lots of preparation for Christmas in the mission, the ward, the missionaries. Even as full-time, name-tag-wearing representatives of Jesus Christ, there are still a plethora of things trying to distract and take away from the meaning of this special season. Trying to overcome them can seem impossible.
That's one thing that's been on my mind lately, is the question of How can I handle all of the trials, responsibilities, duties, and other things that life entails? How can I do it in a way that is right and balanced in God's sight? Lately, as my personal responsibilities increase and new facets that require energy and effort open up, I've been wondering how I can handle it all. I know I'm not the only one, either.
As I studied this morning, I read the Liahona for December. There is so much in there about Christ, of course, so I was reminded of Him and His life, and suddenly it came to me. The way to handle all the different things in life in a way that God is happy with is to become just like Christ. His perfect example is just that, perfect. If we were able to think as Christ would, to act and speak as He would, then we would naturally handle each situation we were placed in with Love, Patience, Hope, Faith, Diligence, Virtue, Knowledge, Kindliness, Humility. Developing Christlike attributes is the way, the only way, to know for certain that our lives are good with God.
At least that was the revelation that I've needed lately. As we approach the day that we celebrate the birth of our Savior, I hope that we all can reflect not only on His wonderful example, but on His eternal sacrifice through which we can be cleansed from sin and enabled to do things that we could never do alone. It makes me realize how I can introduce this Gospel to the Korean people. There are so many people who are satisfied with life how it is, but if they could just taste the joy, the true joy that comes from living according to this Gospel, they would never stop seeking it.
I am always bad with remembering quotes and scriptures, but I want to close with one I read in the Liahona this morning, from a former prophet. It said something like this: "True Joy can only be found by living the Gospel of Jesus Christ." We can find out that gospel, and point ourselves more and more in that direction by daily studying the word of God's servants, the prophets, and by praying with real intent, desire to receive, and faith in Christ. And we can truly begin to emulate the savior's example by consciously making the decision to love someone, forgive someone, to do something that we normally wouldn't but that Christ would were He to take our place. I want to spend the last 7 months of my mission, and the rest of my life following my Master. He will lead me in the right paths to eternal life, to Joy. This I know and promise to all of you in His name, Jesus Christ, Amen.
Merry Christmas, everyone! I hope you get some snow in Utah, and spend some great time with each other. Eat lots of good food, and partake of the Spiritual feast made possible by the Reason for the Season. ^^ I love you all!
Elder "D" Wilcox
