"When the time for performance arrives, the time for preparation is past."
-Thomas S. Monson
This has always been one of my favorite quotes. I think most of us can relate to what these words mean. However; doesn't it seem like most of our life requires performance without any intentional preperation? Aren't we sometimes asked to do "hard" things before we are even ready? The answer is yes. Life can be unfair, cruel, and miserable. The momentary trial we are asked to endure often seems to heavy and large to bear. Sometimes we ask why. Sometimes we even whine and complain. None the less the obstacle must be scaled, the mountain must be climbed, our cross must be carried. Yet, at the end of our momentary hell on earth, we look back and have a choice; we either learn from the experience and grow, or we become consumed by the experince and become a victim of the circumstance. In the end, we learn a lesson; in turn, we become prepared for the next experience.
I think thats the hidden message of this quote. We prepare while we perform...
Recently, I've been asked by some why I'm leaving on a mission, what it entails, and how long I will serve. To answers these questions I thought it appropriate to give a basic description of what a typical day will look like for me while I serve my mission:
6:30 a.m. Arise, pray, exercise (30 minutes), and prepare for the day.
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
8:00 a.m. Personal study: Old testament, New Testament, Book of Mormon, and other scriptures.
9:00 a.m. Companion study: share what was learned from personal study, prepare to teach, practice teaching, study, and confirm plans for the day.
10:00 a.m.- 9:00 p.m. Proselyte, visit with members, teach lessons, and perform service. (And hour is permitted for lunch, and dinner should be around 6:00 p.m.)
9:00 p.m. Return home, make plans for following day, write in journal, prepare for bed, pray.
10:30 p.m. Lights out
I will be serving my mission for a period of two-years.
Now, I know that the regimen may seem strict, rigid and unforgiving. And to tell the truth, it is. If I deviate from any major part of this daily routine or any major mission rule the result is being sent home early. While I serve my mission I can't text, Facebook, or call any family or friend from home. Yes, letters and e-mail is permitted, and I can call home to my family two days out of the year (Christmas, and Mothers Day). I can't watch T.V. or movies. When I work, I have to be in a white shirt and tie. I have to always be in sight and sound of my companion (the other missionary I work with). And I can't date while serving.
Extreme, I know. The rules are laid out, and they may seem unreasonable and unfair. So with all these rules and requirements (and these are only a few), why on earth would I serve a mission?!
To answer that question, I'll ask all of my friends who do CrossFit or any other sport, hobbie, passion or career: Why do you do what you do? For CrossFit, we are always given rules and requirements to meet in order to perform a workout or task. Form and standards must be met. Reps must be completed. And nutrition must be clean in order to put forth as best performance as possible. Flat out, the workouts suck. The WODs leave you squirming in pain, feeling exhausted and utterly spent. So why would someone ever even think about doing CrossFit?! Everyone has a different opinion, but to me like others, I do CrossFit because its awesome. The long term results from doing CrossFit greatly out weigh the short term pain and agony. With that in mind, the pain becomes normal, and the movements and workouts fun.
This is no different. While I serve my mission, I am indeed required to meet all of these rules. However, I have personally seen the joy and peace that comes to an individual who is ernestly seeking the message that we as missionaries have to give. I don't care if you don't believe in what I believe in, or even if your dead set against what it is my faith and religion stands for. But I think almost anyone can agree that there is as much evil as there is good in the world. And with all that is wrong and corrupt in the world, with all those who are lost and who are pleading and crying for help. Shouldn't there be more people willing and ready to give a helping hand to those less fortunate? With that said, why wouldn't I serve a mission? Why wouldn't I help another human being? There is nothing more rewarding than being part of a cause that brings about the peace and happiness of another individual. Service is the greatest calling there is. True, service can come in many forms, but this is the way I have chosen to serve.
Yes the rules are strict and rigid, but I don't care. For the nineteen years I have lived, I have been preparing for this moment. All young men who are raised in my faith are prepared for missions. I have gone through many "performances" already, that have all taught and prepared me for this one immense mountain that I must climb. Yes, my personal goals and desires will be put on hold for a short period. But the rewards that are around the corner are far more wothwhile than any other reward or persuasive temptation to not serve. How do I know this? Because my father served, my grandfather served, my uncle's, cousins, and friends have all served; and I have seen the joy and happiness such service has brought to their own lives, and I want that same joy. I am ready to serve, and I look forward to all of the challenges and trials that come with this service.
After all, it will be fun.
This will be my last post before I leave for the mission field. So I must say thank you.
First of all, thank you Mom and Dad for being the most supportive and amazing parents that any child could ask for. And thank you for all you have taught me to ultimitely prepare me for this moment. Thank you to my older brother Trevor for your example and guidance that has helped build me into the man I am today. Thank you Summer, my sister, for your constant, unwaivering care and love in all of my pursuits. And thank you Ryan for your support and goodness, even though you have only recently joined our family, I can't imagine our family without you.
Thank you to all of my relatives: aunts, uncles, and cousins for your example and support. And thank you especially to my Grandparents for your guidance and love. Thank you to my friends, all of you who have been there with me causing trouble and building memories since youth. Thank you to all of my leaders and friends in the Boca Ward and Wellington Ward.
To Adriana Grassi-Moseley and Lance Moseley, first of all, thank you for giving me a job (lol). But most importantly, thank you for giving me the opportunity and privilege to be apart of your family and represent that family in competing. Thank you to all of my teammates; Omar, Book, Steve, Rachel, and Gabriela for your push, support and inspiration. And thank you to all of my other friends and family at CrossFit Harcore, I will always be grateful for the last eight months I have had with all of you. And I look forward to returning in two years time.
I am grateful to Christ and my Father in Heaven for all of the people and good spirits that have been placed in my life. And I am grateful for the chance and privilege I have to perform in the most important moment of my life at this time. I cant wait to serve.
