I've always fancied myself as a lover of silver skies and rainy days, imagining myself pensively looking out the rain soaked window. Well, especially, as a missionary I have come to appreciate how much I love the sun!
Last week Elder Retallick and I met Alex and Carl (his Dad) at the transmission of general conference. They are from Cambridge, England – Alex’s dad is a member but mom is not. Alex recently turned 8 and they came over to Poland so that his mom’s family could be a part of his baptism. Elder Retallick and I had the privilege of meeting with Alex and Carl (and Elder Burdick on exchange). It was good for me to remember back to my own baptism when my dad and extended family gathered. The experience also showed me how to prepare a son to understand the importance of baptism. It all came together beautifully. There was a branch bbq yesterday so the members were able to meet Alex and then after we had the baptismal service. Alex’s family came and were touched by how many members who barely knew him gathered to celebrate his special day. I gave the opening prayer, Eder Retallick gave a talk, and along with some other elders we performed a musical presentation (I even had a line solo – yikes, I know). It was such a success, our members are wonderful and loving and introduced Alex’s Polish, Catholic family to the church with humility and care.
My heart has come back to Warsaw especially with the members. We had the bbq and baptism on Saturday and then church yesterday was miraculous. I gave a talk on the Atonement. I shared some of my favorite scriptures and had a general theme of hope. This past week while studying in the Book of Mormon I had an epiphany – one of those principles that I saw in a new light. We spend so much of our time stressing and worrying about not living up to who we should be. We are discouraged by our lack of perfection. What hit it me is how NOT worried Christ is about our current state of imperfection, in fact it is one of the main difference between God’s plan and Satan’s. With Satan’s vision we would not have to endure the humiliation of error but there would be no choice and no growth. With God’s plan we fall down and have to go through our entire journey on Earth as imperfect creatures. I saw a glimpse into what it means when prophets say that God sees us not as we are but what we are capable of becoming. I worry about not measuring up and I worry about the lack of understanding and perfection of loved ones as well. When I picture Christ I don’t seem Him worried and stressing over our salvation. He is saddened when we are in pain and understands perfectly what it feels like but as a result of His infinite grace and mercy He is calmed by the assurance that there is a plan devised to gather everyone back to our Father. I lose sleep because of mistakes of the past whereas our Heavenly Father is looking forward to the hurdles in the future that He knows will help us grow. God cannot justify sin, that would defeat the whole point but His plan gives us hope. It really is all about the journey and learning along the way and not about being everything we want to be right now. I repeated the words of the polish national anthem, “marsz, marsz!” (march, march!). We must march forward with hope that comes in understanding the purpose of our life here.
I gave my share of talks and taught many lessons in Gdańsk but this was the first time for me to give a talk in sacrament meeting in Warsaw I branch. I was touched as I stood at the pulpit and saw the attentive faces of the branch members I love so much. Everyone came up afterward with hugs and compliments. It was one of the sweetest times of my mission hands down. Sister Kuchar, an impressive missionary, spoke before me and there was a special spirit in the building. I am so blessed.
As I hinted, I was also blessed to have an exchange with Elder Burdick. It was the first time I was able to serve with him as a companion since he came into the country last summer. He has grown so much and is a great example. We were able to talk about a lot, good talks are needed therapy – on a mission and always. I am thankful to be with Elder Retallick where we can openly and deeply discuss matters of substance and importance.
Elder Retallick and I had the chance to finish watching general conference. Often, especially as a missionary surrounded by so many other members of the church, I have a slightly hipster or rebellious attitude about things – liking to be my own person and what not. All church culture aside I am as Mormon as they come (to be honest probably church culture included too). The living church leaders are my real heroes. They calm my worries, confirm truths I know, and bring light into my life. I know that there is modern revelation and it is needed!
I encourage you all to go forward in hope and faith. The light of spring symbolizes the light that comes when have faith in Christ.
Kocham was i życzę wam jasnego i szczęśliwego tygodnia!
Starszy Kimball
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