What Heaven Sees In You

​So I really wish I had some incredible stories to tell you about our investigators this week, but I really can't think of anything more to say other than the fact that once again I'm learning that this work is the Lord's and not mine.

Angie came to the Relief Society Activity, and loved it! We are now teaching a cute new mom named Skyler. But we have not heard from Lauren this week, and it has been heartbreaking. We went by her house for the second time to see if we could talk to her, and that didn't go over well. We thought we'd lost Lauren forever and the tears started welling up in my eyes.

Her neighbor was outside, and I just really felt the need to talk with him. He seemed sad, so we walked up to his door and knocked because he had gone inside. And as it would turn out, he really needed someone to talk to. I don't know if we'll ever be able to teach him the lessons, but I definitely believe that Heavenly Father wanted us to be there right then to be a listening ear and support for one of his struggling sons. So we sat, listened, and prayed with him. And as we sat there, I think I got a glimpse of what Heavenly Father sees in him. I could envision him calm, and dressed in white. Smiling and happy. 

I think that's how Heavenly Father sees all of us. Including myself. But sometimes I just forget that he sees us for who we truly are, and the eternal potential that we have. 

We had Zone Conference this week, and exchanges with the Philadelphia Sisters. And over and over again, I keep seeing all of my imperfections. I'm far from being a perfect missionary. But thank goodness, Heavenly Father makes up the difference for me. So when I feel like I've failed at being a leader, or a companion, or a teacher, or a disciple, he's here to show me that he still loves me. And he sees me all dressed in white, calm, smiling and happy. 

Even if we don't feel that way now, he knows we can all reach that potential and he has placed us each where we need to be in order to make it. 

It may take a long time. And we will still never be perfect. Hard days, and hard weeks happen. But that's all right. Because this is His plan. A plan that he has for each of us, because we are all His children. And I am grateful for that, and for the chance I have to be here and experience a tiny part of his plan for the people of Mississippi. Who I have come to love with all my heart.