When is a Missionary Most Like An Elephant?



Uh....it's not what it looks like...



When He starts to get TRUNKY

Note: If you haven't seen Part one of this post may I direct you to Elder Sharples Blog "Who Me? Trunky? Nah..."

I would like to testify of what my companion has said. Trunkiness can be the worst of diseases or the best of motivators. I know. I've experienced both. Quite recently actually. We all have bad days. We make mistakes, but we can change and correct those mistakes. The mistakes of the past can refine us instead of define us if we will let the Atonement of Jesus Christ take part in our lives. I recently read the talk from Elder Ardern called A Time to Prepare. It was made very apparent to me how precious our time is and how it is important to not only be busy, but also productive. A favorite song of mine says:

What will you do with the time thats left?

Will you Live it all with no regrets?

Will they say that you loved till your final breath?

What will you do with the time thats left?

Now i'd like to take this trunky theme on a different plane ride path.

How many times have you thought this:

"I'LL BE HAPPY WHEN (Fill in blank. i'm married, finish school, adopt a puppy... eat a turducken)"

                     

It becomes all you think about and you lose focus of the now. The present is a gift (pun intended). Today is the time to prepare to meet God. Today is the day for us to perform our labors. Today is also the day for us to fly home be happy. Happiness is an attitude, not a airport destination. It's a choice. We choose everyday whether to be happy or sad; positive or negative; trunky for the future, or grateful for where we're at. So if you're feeling a bit trunky, stop it. Count your blessings, look up to God, pray, and go to work. Be obedient.

In closing may I share one of my favorite quotes from our Prophet, President Thomas S. Monson:

   "Sometimes we let our thoughts of tomorrow take up too much of today. Daydreaming of the past and longing for the future may provide comfort but will not take the place of living in the present. This is the day of our opportunity, and we must grasp it." –Thomas S. Monson

Run Home Jack! Homerun Jack! Make it count! Be Happy now! Whoever you are; missionary or not; we can all choose to be happy, use our time wisely, and pack our bags pack up our trunkiness and be grateful for where we're at.

SMILE