Dear Family & Friends~
The first thing I wanted to say today is a scripture that reminded me of something Grandpa MacKay always says, "He answered and said, whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see." (John 9:25). You can read the context later, if you so wish. The main reason I decided to include that in my letter is because of the many experiences which I am having that are causing my eyes to be opened, helping me to see even more things than I have seen or known before. I'm unsure what it is that is different in my life, but I feel as if knowledge is absolutely being poured down upon my head, and I'm unsure as to whether I have room enough to contain it. Heavenly Father has blessed me so much and I am very happy to know the things that I know. Life can sometimes be too difficult to bear, and even at this time it seems even so; yet, despite my troubles the burden is lightened, and I do not feel the weight of it pressing down on my shoulders. Last night as I continued my study of Jesus The Christ, I learned of the importance of giving and receiving gifts. I spent well over an hour writing down my thoughts and went to bed after midnight. However, the things which the Spirit taught me will stay with me forever. I think one of the most interesting things to think about, and perhaps one of the most important and fundamental, is the concept of giving and receiving gifts. Oddly enough, as I was reading and pondering, I learned a lesson about myself that I hadn't ever understood before, and I came to a knowledge as to why I often act and behave the way I do--and perhaps many others. Naturally, we as humans need the acceptance of others to feel at peace in this world. The happiest and most joyous of our experiences lie not within personal achievement or amassment of wealth, but rather in the relationships we build one with another. There is no replacement for a positive and loving relationship, whether it be with family or friend. Money cannot buy such things, and it never can or will. The Gospel of Jesus Christ brings families together and so much of it is centered on the idea of giving and receiving gifts. The Lord, speaking to those who would inherit Telestial Glory rather than the higher glories said this:
"And they who remain shall also be quickened; nevertheless, they shall return again to their own place, to enjoy that which they are willing to receive, because they were not willing to enjoy that which they might have received."
How interesting it is to know that Heavenly Father is so loving indeed that He gives all His children that which they want most. We are not too different. I know, from my own experiences, that we tend to surround ourselves with those whom we feel most appreciated. Generally speaking, that is why we love our families so much--they love us for who we are and choose not to worry about what our faults and defects are, but instead choose to love unreservedly. Our friends are those too who accept us for who we are, and the more they accept us, the more effort we are willing to put into the relationship. Giving good gifts is something each of us enjoy. We love to see the smiles it can bring and the positive difference it can make in another's life. How pleasing is it to know that the person to whom you selflessly gave a portion of yourself is grateful for that portion which you gave them? The joy it brings them causes you to want to give more! I know that I am most happy when I am surrounded by those who appreciate what I have to give them, because I know that they would gladly accept me for who I am, rather than what another's selfish view might expect me to be. I find it very difficult to be near those to whom nothing is good enough, that when you share something meaningful to you (as in your gift), rather than receive, they mock or disregard. It is one of the most hurtful of experiences to give a sincere and heartfelt gift to someone you love or consider a friend and then to have them deny your gift rather than graciously accept--the ingratitude that shows itself in those who deny the gifts of others can be like a sharp sword, one that pierces even to the very center of the soul. It is so deflating and damaging that it can be often hard to recover from such experiences. For me, at this point in my life, I can compare it to those whom I teach (cut me some slack with the use of the word "whom", I know I've clearly overused it, but I can't think of any other word), when the individual is receptive and truly wants to learn, I give them more to think about and to study; when they deny or refuse to accept that which they have been given, it is impossible to give them more. no matter how great the gift may be, you cannot force someone to accept that gift. It may be hard to deal with; however, that is how life works. To them that receive, more is given, to them that refuse, nothing is given, and eventually all is taken away. How much more light does this shed upon the Savior's gift to us; the Atonement? Through Christ and His Atonement we can gain eternal life! It is the greatest gift that God could ever give any of His children, yet how many refuse the gift?! Heavenly Father truly gives all His children that which they most desire, and if that thing is not eternal life, then unfortunately, that is what they will be given. As it can be easily discerned within the scripture above, God will satisfy the needs and desires of His children by giving unto them the things which make them the most happy--and if it be less, so be it, that is what will bring some the most joy. What makes Heavenly Father happy is to see His children happy and so He will give us those things which make us happy. Again, are we not so different?
As far as missionary work goes, I am staying in Lake Butler another transfer with Elder Brown. I am glad to stay because the people in the ward are very kind and they have helped me to grow so much. One of the women in the Relief Society told us yesterday (and she specifically told me to tell you she said this Mom & Dad) that our parents should be proud of us for the young men we are and for being worthy of the calling we have and the priesthood we hold. Her name is Susan Child and I think she is related to Don Child. I thought that was very nice of her to say. I think she said what she said because after church we were asked to take part in several priesthood blessings for some of the sick members of the ward. It was a very neat and touching experience.
I love you Mom and Dad and am grateful to have you as my parents. Thank you for sending me on a mission, knowing full well how hard it would be. I have grown so much in this first year and I would never know what I know had I stayed home. Tell the rest of the family thanks for all the emails and packages, thoughts and prayers, and most of all that I love them. Tell Grandpa MacKay that the 93rd section of the Doctrine & Covenants is becoming one of my favorites as well :)
My last favorite scripture, which I have recently come across, is this:
"Wherefore, we search the prophets, and we have many revelations and the spirit of prophecy; and having all these witnesses we obtain a hope, and our faith becometh unshaken, insomuch that we truly can command in the name of Jesus and the very trees obey us, or the mountains, or the waves of the sea." (Jacob 4:6)
And that goes right along with this one:
"And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things: I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not; for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith." (Ether 12:6)
Can you see the pattern in these two verses? Belief leads to faith, faith to a witness of God, a spiritual witness leads to hope, and hope to greater faith. The cycle continues onward and upward. Now consider these last verses:
"Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.
"And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, He will manifest the truth unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things." (Moroni 10:3-5)
Love you all~
Austin
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