Chapter 44: Gratitude

Elder Jonas Childers
Jul 19, 2021
3 min read

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, ye are little children, and ye have not as yet understood how great blessings the Father hath in his own hands and prepared for you; And ye cannot bear all things now; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along. The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours. And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more."

Doctrine and Covenants 78:17-19 Another week where I feel so much has happened, yet the time flew by like nothing. It is incredible what can transpire in a week's time, especially on a mission. If I've learned anything, I've learned that this is God's work, and it is urgent. I've thought a lot about gratitude recently. There have been a lot of changes in the Scotland/Ireland Mission as of late, and even more to come these next two months. Many well-experienced leaders in the mission have gone home or are going home very soon, which when paired with an influx of new missionaries, missionaries from other assignments, and a brand new mission president, it can create a lot of instability. I believe that's a good word for how I've felt recently, a bit unstable. There have been times where I've felt very stressed and anxious about what the rest of my mission holds, and well, it hasn't been easy. With so many good friends coming and going so quickly, I feel, quite honestly, like I am struggling to keep up. So what has kept me going? As of this week, it has been gratitude and the rock of my Redeemer. As I look back on my mission to this point, all the things I've learned, the people I've met, the places I've been, especially here in Scotland, I've been simply overcome with gratitude. I am so grateful to be here. I am grateful to be doing this work. I am grateful for the people I've been blessed with an opportunity to love and serve. I am grateful for my Saviour who is always there. As I've let that gratitude sink deep, and reflect outwards by expressing it to others, I've felt at peace with where I am at, and where I am going. I may not know what the future holds, as none of us ever really do, but gratitude has grounded me to the blessings I see right now, and right here. Sure the future will come, but not yet. I am grateful for the ever-present "now" we get to enjoy. Find peace in the me, here, and now. Really, count your blessings, and be comforted by the assurance that Christ will truly lead you along. I have a sure witness that he in fact does lead us. Even if that guiding hand is unseen, it is in fact, still there. Choose to believe in the ever-present Christ and be grateful for all the blessings of today. I promise, peace and hope will come. Life is good. God is wise. Don't give up. Elder Childers

Finally moved house to Airdrie!

Our flat: sponsored by Amazon...thanks Jeff Bezos.

The "Clucking Cow Burger" from the local burger joint in Airdrie. Consists of hamburger, fried chicken, and bacon. Let's just say, it was a holy experience.