Some Thoughts Concerning This Work Part II

Last night I took the time to stop talking (yes I have a problem with talking too much) and simply listen to my missionaries.

I felt as though the talk that we often show our missionaries by Elder Holland rang in my ears. Listen and they will give you something testify of... or along those lines. Here is what I learned.

1. Don't rob them of an experience- I began to be nervous as I watched my missionaries become silent. In my mind I began to think "Oh no my lesson is too boring." But then something great happened! A small little sister spoke up and said, " Sometimes I feel as though we are being lectured, but today I have had to think. As I thought I gained a better understanding of my relationship with God." We often tell our missionaries that our investigators will remember the experience and not all of the things taught. Then why do we drown our missionaries in things taught and not the experience? I gained a better understanding that true doctrines must be presented, the missionaries then ponders, the spirit testifies, and the missionary applies and gains understanding.
2. Trust them, but more importantly trust God- Through this process I gained a better understanding of a missionary's calling. I sometimes over explain, talk, and list detail in fear that the missionary will not understand. In doing so I take away from the revelatory experience that missionary may have. God has called them, He trust them, and so should I.

I feel I have learned more about myself and my relationship with God through his servants, the missionaries. They may be not perfect, but they are called of God. I love them. I love this work.